 |
Rebuild a Home for Delbert
Everyone loves Delbert. Children love the way he frolics in his small pond. Grown-ups do, too. And conservationists recognize his importance to the eco-system of the Hudson River. "Dell" is a river otter who found refuge at the Trailside Museums and Zoo in 1995. Since then, he has lived in an outdated "one otter" enclosure. Friends of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission have made it a priority to build a state-of-the-art Otter Habitat. Dell's new home will be a more realistic setting with room for two companions. Please click on Delbert's picture to learn more about this exciting project.
Need:
Delbert was donated to Trailside in 1995 by a wildlife rehabilitator from upstate New York. The river otter had been orphaned and could not adjust to re-entry into the wild. Although a popular favorite with students at local schools, Dell clearly needed a proper home as he matured. And so, Dell came to Bear Mountain where he rapidly outgrew his small, outdated, "one-otter" enclosure.
The proposed state of the art otter habitat will be a dynamic habitat generously sized to house at least two animals in a more realistic setting. The site occupies a valley opposite the Fort Clinton Redoubt, which includes a rock slope as a backdrop. Gunite boulders and streambeds will be mixed among the existing features to create a diverse and stimulating environment for the quizzical otter. A variety of substrates will be added to encourage innate behavior. Shade elements and hiding places will offer secure, sheltered resting spots. Off-exhibit dens will provide nighttime holding quarters and places of refuge during inclement weather. A "back-of-the-house" keeper area will allow access for proper care of the animals and exhibit maintenance. An attractive water feature will include logs, rocks, and grass to stimulate investigatory activity. The water system will be treated, filtered, and recycled to ensure the good health of the otters.
Budget: Otter Habitat Project Costs:
Mechanical:
Water filtration system $110,000
Structures:
Pump House/Equipment Building/Viewing Platform: $80,000
Exhibit:
Natural habitat, barriers and signage: $350,000
Paths:
Pedestrian Bridge, visitor path, Keeper's path: $50,000
Landscape Work: $185,000
Project Total: $775,000
The Otter Habitat is only one part of a master plan that will create a Beaver Habitat, a Deer and Turkey Habitat, and new flight cages for birds of prey.
Dell's home is the first step in our plan to upgrade the Trailside Zoo. It is an important step. One way you can help is by becoming a member of the Friends of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. We'll thank you. The 300,000 annual visitors to the Zoo will thank you. And, of course, most of all, Dell and his new companions will thank you.
The Palisades Parks Conservancy is a non-profit corporation exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Membership is welcome. Donations are tax-deductible. Contributions should be sent to the Palisades Palisades Parks Conservancy, Administration Building, Bear Mountain, NY 10911 USA. 845-786-2701. Or you can use our secure Web site membership link.
CONTACT US
BECOME A FRIEND
BACK TO PROJECTS
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
Current Projects
Since our founding over a century ago, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission has depended on donations as well as public funds for financial support to meet our mission to promote and expand the preservation of natural, historical and cultural resources. These donations enable us to conserve and protect open space and wildlife habitats, improve facilities and enhance programs and services for our visitors. Today, the need is greater than ever.
Palisades Interstate
Park System
MAP
Bear Mountain
Attractions
MAP
Bear Mountain
Suggested Hikes
MAP
|
|
