Last Updated on August 22, 2026 11:58 am
LINVILLE, N.C. — Grandfather Mountain is welcoming a new member to its river otter habitat: Fig, an 18-month-old river otter who has been busy making friends with her new habitat mate, Oscar, and her keepers.
Fig arrived at Grandfather in the spring, with Stewardship Foundation habitat staff hoping she would serve as a companion for Oscar, who arrived at the park in August 2014. Oscar had been closely attached to his previous companion, Nova, who died at age 12 on Oct. 1, 2025, following complications from a suspected blood clot during a dental procedure.
After months in the mountain's quarantine and introduction process with Oscar, Fig went on display in the otter habitat this week. She is part of a special loan program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is hosting her for the foreseeable future — a program that allows for specialized habitat research, optimized social groupings, species survival planning and veterinary expertise. Fig was born in February 2025 at the Long Island Aquarium.
Otters at Grandfather Mountain have typically come from licensed wildlife rehabilitators, but when none were available in the needed timeframe, staff connected with a facility seeking placement for young otters in its care.
“Fig has easily found her way into all of our hearts,” said Christie Tipton, animal habitats curator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “For the first few weeks after Fig went through the quarantine phase, we worked to ensure that Oscar and Fig had a comfortable adjustment period with one another. They became fast friends and now enjoy running around together and taking long naps in their cozy bed after lunch.”
Fig and Oscar enjoy playing together in the water and playing chase, typical otter behavior. Fig has proven kind, curious and playful, occupying herself with novel items and exploring the world with all her senses. Her favorite enrichments — special treats, toys or scents given to break up an animal's routine — include pool items to swim with and ice to crunch on.
Fig and Oscar are currently on display at the otter habitat. Guests can learn more about river otters at a daily Keeper Talk, offered through Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the otter habitat. Grandfather Mountain is also home to a third otter, Uno, who will take turns being on display with Fig and Oscar.
The Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats at Grandfather Mountain also include black bears, cougars, elk and eagles — all species that are or once were native to the area and have been placed in the Stewardship Foundation's care for reasons that prevent them from surviving on their own in the wild.
Those interested in supporting the animals in the wildlife habitats can consider the foundation's Adopt-an-Animal program, with funds going toward habitat upgrades and enrichment. Fig is now among the animals available to adopt at www.grandfather.com/adopt.
