Oregon Zoo otter, known for slam dunking and self-pleasuring, dies at age 20

Updated Dec 20, 10:30 PM; Posted Dec 20, 4:58 PM

By Lizzy Acker | The Oregonian/OregonLive lacker@oregonian.com
The Oregonian/OregonLive

If you visited the Oregon Zoo in the last 18 years, you probably saw Eddie the sea otter. Eddie, rescued as a pup from the California coast in 1998, lived at the zoo from 2000 until he was euthanized Thursday morning. ... “At nearly 21,” a press release from the Oregon Zoo read, “Eddie was considered one of the oldest -- and most talented -- sea otters on the planet.” ... “Male sea otters seldom live past 15 years, so Eddie was among the very oldest of his kind,” said Amy Cutting, who oversees the zoo’s marine life area, in the release.

In 2012, Eddie’s keepers taught the aging otter to dunk a toy basketball, as therapy for his arthritic elbow joints. His skills at the hoop made him an internet sensation.



But, as visitors to the zoo might remember, Eddie had other interesting skills. He could sometimes be observed creatively pleasuring himself, proving the animal kingdom is full of unique learning experiences.



While the zoo has other otters, an Oregon Zoo spokesperson confirmed Thursday, “yes, that was Eddie who displayed so much ‘confidence’ in front of zoo guests.” ... Many Oregon Zoo guests will remember Eddie for his many fascinating talents. While the zoo still has two sea otters, Lincoln and Juno, the otter tank won’t be the same without Eddie.


-- Lizzy Acker

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lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker