(Aug. 11, 2016) One of the finishing touches on the Wally Gordon River Otter exhibit, opened to the public late last month at the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City, is an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been scheduled for September.
USDA representatives have been to the center before to evaluate a proposed site for an animal exhibit.
“They came before when we applied to look at what we wanted to do, and then they inspect when the exhibit is complete,” CEO Stacey Weisner said. “This way we have the feedback before we start putting donor money into the plans.”
The timeline, Weisner said, is 90 days from the application date. The application was submitted in July, she said, but the inspection must wait until the animals, known as Mac and Tuck, are actually living within the habitat, which has only been a couple of weeks now.
The delay is due to inspector availability, she said.
Weisner said the inspector would be looking at things like the otters’ diets, and the enrichment plans the center has developed to keep the otters active and engaged.
Weisner said the animals are smart enough to be trained to complete simple tasks, and can learn, by means of color association, where to go or what to do.
“They can learn to chase a ball, so if we want them to move to a different area, we can just have them chase a ball in there,” she said. “We don’t want them to get bored. We’re going to feed them several times a day, and plan a lot of different activities like sleepover parties, and we can make all kinds of little toys for them to play with.”
The inspector will take a closer look at the 6,000 gallon tank now used as the otters’ swimming tank and the newly finished land area adjoining it, as well as the chutes than connect the two.
In addition, the facility will be evaluated to ensure proper containment of the creatures to prevent escape. The veterinary plans for Mac and Tuck will also fall under scrutiny.
“If possible I’d like to have it all done before the gala,” she said.
Earlier this week the Delmarva Discovery Center announced a gala event, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the center. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, dessert and a premium drink ticket are available via the Delmarva Discovery Center at a cost of $50 per ticket.
For more information, call 410-957-9933.
USDA representatives have been to the center before to evaluate a proposed site for an animal exhibit.
“They came before when we applied to look at what we wanted to do, and then they inspect when the exhibit is complete,” CEO Stacey Weisner said. “This way we have the feedback before we start putting donor money into the plans.”
The timeline, Weisner said, is 90 days from the application date. The application was submitted in July, she said, but the inspection must wait until the animals, known as Mac and Tuck, are actually living within the habitat, which has only been a couple of weeks now.
The delay is due to inspector availability, she said.
Weisner said the inspector would be looking at things like the otters’ diets, and the enrichment plans the center has developed to keep the otters active and engaged.
Weisner said the animals are smart enough to be trained to complete simple tasks, and can learn, by means of color association, where to go or what to do.
“They can learn to chase a ball, so if we want them to move to a different area, we can just have them chase a ball in there,” she said. “We don’t want them to get bored. We’re going to feed them several times a day, and plan a lot of different activities like sleepover parties, and we can make all kinds of little toys for them to play with.”
The inspector will take a closer look at the 6,000 gallon tank now used as the otters’ swimming tank and the newly finished land area adjoining it, as well as the chutes than connect the two.
In addition, the facility will be evaluated to ensure proper containment of the creatures to prevent escape. The veterinary plans for Mac and Tuck will also fall under scrutiny.
“If possible I’d like to have it all done before the gala,” she said.
Earlier this week the Delmarva Discovery Center announced a gala event, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the center. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, dessert and a premium drink ticket are available via the Delmarva Discovery Center at a cost of $50 per ticket.
For more information, call 410-957-9933.