Seattle has a new favorite furry face! The Seattle Aquarium is thrilled to introduce Zweigle (pronounced z-WHY-gle), a one-year-old North American river otter who has made his new home in the river otter habitat on Pier 60, alongside his older companion Molalla, who is 13.
Zweigle’s arrival comes from the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, where he was born and raised with his siblings. His move to the West Coast was carefully planned with the Aquarium’s animal care experts to give Molalla a playful new companion after the passing of his longtime friend Ahanu last year. And in a fun coincidence, Zweigle and Molalla share the same birthday: January 28!
His name has a delicious backstory: it’s inspired by a Rochester company famous for its locally legendary hot dogs. When Zweigle was born, the zoo’s care team thought the little pup looked just like a hot dog — and the photos prove they were right!
Guests can meet Zweigle splashing, playing, and settling into his new home every day from 9:30am to 6pm at the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront. As an ambassador for his species, the young otter will help visitors fall in love with these remarkable animals and the Pacific Northwest waters they call home.
Photo: Seattle Aquarium
