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Sunday, January 11, 2026
Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street & 5th Ave, New York, NY, USA
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Otters in Winter – Behavior & Viewing

How otters behave on cold days at Central Park Zoo: playful bursts, warmth spots, and good viewing windows.

1/8/2026
9 min read
Otter on snowy ground near water

Cold weather can amp up play.

Otters are social and curious — short bursts of high-energy play are common.

What to Watch

  • Sliding and chasing in short bursts.
  • Sun patches near rocks.
  • Quick dips into water.
  • Grooming and rolling behaviors for warmth.

Viewing Windows

  • Late morning and late afternoon often see spikes in activity.
  • If it’s very cold, look for sunny patches they return to.

Stay a few minutes longer; otter play often comes in waves.

About the Author

NYC Zoo Expert

NYC Zoo Expert

I wrote this guide to make your Central Park Zoo visit effortless, engaging, and full of NYC‑savvy tips.

Tags

Otters
Winter
Behavior

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