The Wild Center Works with Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club to Name New North American River Otters

The Wild Center family expanded this summer when two male North American river otters made their debut in Otter Falls on Saturday, June 22. The pair’s Kaniehkehaka names – Tawi:ne and Rohsno:re – were revealed on Saturday, July 6 as part of The Wild Center’s Ways of Knowing celebration.

The Wild Center’s Curator, Leah Valerio, worked with the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club to name the two new otters. As part of the Club’s end of year party, Valerio taught the group about North American river otters, painted otter faces on the kids and led a discussion in which the youth developed suitable names for the pair. The students chose Tawi:ne (da-WEE-nay) meaning “otter” and Rohsno:re (low-SNOW-lay) meaning “he’s fast” in the Kaniehkehaka language. The project works to keep the spirit alive of the lasting Ways of Knowing partnership between The Wild Center and the Haudenosaunee community.

“The kids were so much fun – silly, inquisitive and just generally a joy to be around,” explained Leah Valerio. “I’ve never met a more helpful bunch. They all asked how they could help.” The pair began their journey to The Wild Center in Ohio where they were trapped as nuisance animals. Trapped river otters are often slated to be killed and used for fur, or in some cases, relocated to areas without enough food to survive. The Wild Center’s Animal Care staff was made aware of their situation and jumped at the opportunity to rescue the pair.

Pictured above are the new otters – Rohsno:re (left) and Tawi:ne (right) (Credit: The Wild Center)

About Ways of Knowing

Indigenous voices come together to bring you Ways of Knowing. Working in partnership, the Akwesasne Cultural Center, The Six Nations Indian Museum, the Native North American Travelling College and The Wild Center unite to broaden and heighten our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The collaborative and multi-faceted project opened at The Wild Center in 2018 and encourages visitors to continue their exploration at the Akwesasne Cultural Center in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, The Six Nations Indian Museum in Onchiota and the Native North American Travelling College on Cornwall Island.

The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and program to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features indoor and outdoor space, live animals, hands-on experiences, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. The Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit wildcenter.org to learn more.