Buffalo Zoo mourns death of 4-year-old otter Cedrick

Cedrick, a North American river otter, passed away after becoming wedged in his habitat.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of river otters swimming in a blurred, colorful habitat, conveying a sense of tranquility and loss.The Buffalo Zoo mourns the tragic loss of one of its beloved river otters, whose death has prompted an investigation into habitat safety.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Zoo announced the tragic passing of Cedrick, a 4-year-old North American river otter who arrived at the zoo last June. Zookeepers discovered Cedrick had died after becoming wedged beside a rock in his habitat, and a necropsy is now being conducted to determine the cause of death.

Why it matters

The death of Cedrick is a devastating loss for the Buffalo Zoo, which had welcomed the young otter as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. Otters are beloved animals that draw visitors to zoos, and their care and well-being is a top priority.

The details

Cedrick was born on February 7, 2022 at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. He was brought to the Buffalo Zoo last June to be paired with the zoo's two female otters, Mindy and Poppy. Zookeepers described Cedrick as a laid-back and confident otter from the moment he arrived.

  • Cedrick arrived at the Buffalo Zoo in June 2022.
  • Cedrick passed away on March 25, 2026.

The players

Buffalo Zoo

A zoo located in Buffalo, New York that is mourning the loss of one of its otters.

Cedrick

A 4-year-old North American river otter who died after becoming wedged in his habitat at the Buffalo Zoo.

Mindy and Poppy

The two female otters that Cedrick was brought to the Buffalo Zoo to be paired with.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The organization that recommended Cedrick be brought to the Buffalo Zoo as part of its Species Survival Plan.

Milwaukee County Zoo

The zoo where Cedrick was born on February 7, 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Our Animal Keeper team discovered our male North American river otter Cedrick had passed after becoming wedged beside a rock in the habitat. A necropsy to better understand the cause of death is now being conducted.”

— Buffalo Zoo

What’s next

The Buffalo Zoo has temporarily closed Cedrick's habitat while they investigate the cause of his death and determine if any changes need to be made to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining otters.

The takeaway

The tragic passing of Cedrick highlights the importance of proper habitat design and animal welfare in zoos, as well as the delicate balance involved in breeding and caring for endangered species like the North American river otter.