CHARLOTTE – When the Charlotte Museum of Nature opens in 2026, visitors can look forward to meeting several new residents, including a lively group of otters.
The museum’s aquatic team has worked with expert caretakers at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, to ensure top-level care for the otters. Staff received specialized training in otter behavior, diet, and enrichment techniques to help create an environment that supports the animals’ health and natural behaviors.
Otters, who are carnivores, require frequent feeding and thrive in spaces that allow for swimming, foraging, and play. Known for their interactive nature, otters often engage with each other, their environment, and even visitors, offering an entertaining and educational experience.
In addition to the otters, the Charlotte Museum of Nature will offer several new exhibits and experiences:
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Tree Canopy Walk: A signature outdoor feature, the Tree Canopy Walk will rise 20 to 40 feet above the forest floor, weaving through the treetops for a unique perspective of the forest.
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Piedmont Explorations: In the main exhibit hall, guests will get close-up views of freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and turtles native to the Piedmont region.
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Turtles: Species such as snapping and softshell turtles will be on display in the Piedmont Explorations gallery, offering insights into their habitats.
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Saplings: Designed for children ages 0–6, Saplings will provide a colorful, sensory-rich environment to support early cognitive and physical development through nature-based play.
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Naturalist Lab: This hands-on area will offer nature-themed design challenges, science experiments, music, and art projects.
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The Nest: Along the Canopy Walk, visitors can relax in the Nest to cloud gaze or climb higher for views of the Charlotte skyline.
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Frog Bog: Located within the Woodland Garden, the Frog Bog will feature a pond filled with aquatic plants, tadpoles, and frogs. It will be free to access for Freedom Park visitors.
Currently under construction at Freedom Park, the Charlotte Museum of Nature will carry forward the 77-year legacy of Discovery Place by redefining nature education and exploration for the Carolinas. The project is part of the Discovery Place nonprofit museum network.
More information about the museum’s development is available at charlottenature.org.
