COURT HOUSE — The North American River Otter habitat at the Cape May County Zoo is getting renovated with the help of local art teachers and students from Lower Cape May Regional, Middle Township and Ocean City High Schools. Part of the renovation of the habitat will include a mural painted by the teachers and students that will be permanently displayed on the back wall of the enclosure.
The mural project will take place on June 5, and the public is encouraged to come during the day and watch the teachers and young artists at work as they bring the habitat to life with their own design and painting. The habitat will undergo resurfacing of the pool lining as part of the general maintenance of the enclosure. The mural project will enhance the habitat and add to the makeover.
“We are always looking for projects at the zoo that give students an opportunity to be included as part of the effort. The Otter habitat mural is a perfect example of cooperation between the countywide high schools and the zoo.” stated Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, who oversees the Cape May County Park and Zoo. “I speak for the entire Board of Freeholders in thanking the schools involved and look forward to seeing this wonderful project completed. I am always amazed with the talent, skill and generosity of our residents and this is no exception,” Hayes added.
The schools and teachers involved in the project include; Lower Cape May Regional Art Teacher, Patty Neville; Middle Township High School Teacher, Karen Biederman; Ocean City High School Teachers Heather Cox and Paul Matusz.
There are two North American River Otters at the Cape May County Zoo, a male and female. The female, named Annie was born in 2003, and came from North Dakota. The male, named Mork, was born in 2009, and came from Nebraska. North American River Otter numbers have declined over the years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and trapping for their coats. Thanks to nationwide efforts to reduce pollution in water ways, Otters have been reintroduced to some of their former habitats.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is located at 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, New Jersey. The hours for the Zoo are 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. daily. The Cape May County Park is open from 9 a.m. until dusk daily. For more information, go to our website www.cmczoo.com.
