Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes Wekiva Island as otter habitat sponsor

SANFORD, Fla. (October 18, 2023) — With a location right on the Wekiva River, Wekiva Island has always had a love of Central Florida’s river otters. In fact, the beloved Seminole County business even named their craft beer and wine bar, The Tooting Otter, in honor of the aquatic mammals.

They’re taking that love one step further. Wekiva Island and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens today announced that Wekiva Island will serve as the sponsor of the Zoo’s otter habitat.

As sponsor, Wekiva Island will provide a generous gift that will help the Central Florida Zoo feed and care for its otter, Molly, for the year. Wekiva Island’s logo will be displayed on site at the Zoo and on the Zoo’s website.

“We’re so thankful for Wekiva Island’s support of us at the Zoo,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “They’re the epitome of a great neighbor here in Seminole County and have given in time and treasure over the years. We couldn’t do what we do at the Zoo without supporters like them.”

Wekiva Island will officially kick off its support of the otter habitat on Saturday, Oct. 21, with a Seafood Boil fundraiser to help “feed” Molly for the year. The company has been a longtime supporter of the Zoo, including for events like Brews Around the Zoo and with leadership serving on the Zoo board.

Wekiva Island is a riverside attraction located in Longwood on the Wekiva River. The business has been a Seminole County mainstay for 15 years and is dedicated to sustainability, art and education. The business makes a point to give back to the community and selected the Zoo as a partner for 2023 and beyond.

“We love our home here in Seminole County,” said Bill Weinaug, owner of Wekiva Island. “What drew us to start this business in the first place is how magical the Wekiva River is. We couldn’t think of a better way to support our community than by helping to fund the conservation work the Zoo does through one of the animals that makes the Wekiva River special.”

North American river otters like the one at the Central Florida Zoo are found in fresh water and coastal marine habitats in North America, just like the Wekiva River. Molly is a great example of the special wildlife found right here in Central Florida—that both the Zoo and Wekiva Island are dedicated to protecting.

For more information about Wekiva Island, visit https://wekivaisland.com/partners/.

For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org. To learn more about the Zoo’s habitat sponsorship program, contact leep@centralfloridazoo.org.