On a snowy March morning in Wisconsin, a young North American river otter named Louie slipped out of his enclosure at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico. With his companion Ophelia by his side, the two found a breach in the underground fencing during Winter Storm Ezra and made a break for the wilderness.

While Ophelia was recaptured within weeks, Louie has remained elusive—and now, according to the zoo, it seems he’s made his choice.

Louie the otter escaped the NEW Zoo during a snowstorm in March.

Signs Point to a Wild Life

For more than two months, zookeepers tried to track Louie. Motion-activated cameras captured glimpses of him enjoying the snow, darting between trees and water bodies. But he never stayed in one place long enough for a trap to be set. He didn’t return to familiar spots like Ophelia did, which ultimately led to her safe recapture in early April, as FOX 11 News reports.

Unlike his companion, Louie remained on the move.

Based on the irregular sightings and lack of repeat activity in any one location, zoo officials determined Louie wasn't simply lost—he was thriving.

“We believe he has made the decision to be a wild otter,” the NEW Zoo said in a May 30 update shared via Facebook.

From Born Wild to Choosing Freedom

Louie’s story is unique, but not entirely unexpected. Born in the wild, Louie had spent enough of his early life learning the skills needed to survive without human care. According to zoo staff, that foundation made all the difference.

“Louie was born in the wild and grew up long enough in the wild to learn and practice all the skills a river otter requires to survive,” the zoo explained in a statement reported by WBAY.

Unlike some zoo-born animals, Louie didn't need to be taught how to swim, fish, or find shelter. He already knew.

What sealed the decision to end the search, however, was his apparent health. Multiple reports placed him near wooded waterways, where food sources are ample and cover is easy to find. Despite not being caught on camera consistently, all indicators suggested he was navigating the wild just fine.

Louie avoided recapture and never returned to the same area twice.

Zoo Accepts Louie’s Independence

Though the zoo had initially held out hope, even bringing in a professional tracker early in the search, the reality of Louie’s independence set in over time.

“It was devastating… your heart drops,” senior zookeeper Lindsay Haen told FOX 11 News.

Zoo staff also expressed admiration for his ability to adapt./p>

Angela Kawski, the zoo's education coordinator, emphasized that Louie's behavior—moving constantly, especially during breeding season—is consistent with what young male otters naturally do.

“Exactly this time of year, that’s when they would be doing that in the wild,” she said.

The zoo determined Louie is healthy and surviving well.

Life Goes On for Ophelia

Back at the zoo, Ophelia continues her daily routines. While she once had a companion, she’s adjusting well to being solo.

Otters are social creatures but often spend time alone in the wild. Still, the zoo is working with the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan to find a new companion for her.

The fencing breach that allowed Louie and Ophelia to escape has since been repaired. Additional hot wires were added to prevent future incidents.

The zoo ended its active search after two months.

A Farewell—But Not a Goodbye

Despite the zoo's decision to stop active recovery efforts, the door remains open.

“We accept this, although we would, of course, welcome him home if he decides to return,” the zoo said in a statement reported by Civic Media.

For now, Louie is out there—fishing, swimming, and navigating the wilderness of Wisconsin, not as a fugitive, but as a free otter.