River otter cub at Woodland Park Zoo dies in accident in Seattle

SEATTLE – A river otter pup died Saturday at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo in what the zoo called a “tragic accident.”

Trout, a male otter pup born in March, became trapped between a ramp and a platform while climbing up the ramp in his enclosure. Keepers responded within four minutes to resuscitate Trout, but he could not be revived, the zoo said.

“Our animal care team and staff are absolutely devastated,” Woodland Park Zoo animal care manager Erin Sullivan said in a statement. “The death of a beloved animal is never easy, but a loss like this is especially emotional because we couldn’t have prevented it and we wish we could have done something different to save Trout.”

Trout and a female cub named Dory have access to a publicly visible habitat and pool, as well as a recreation area that the zoo says is equipped with ramps and activity opportunities.

The zoo said after the incident that the ramp had been adjusted and the area was now being reassessed to see if further safety measures were needed.

Until Trout’s death, the zoo said there had been no further injuries to adult otters or pups using the ramps or platforms. The ramps have been in use for years.

Trout and Dory were born to Valkyrie and Ziggy. The zoo said keepers will pay special attention to the other family members in the coming days to make sure they are OK as they adjust to Trout’s death.