For many years they were highly prized for their thick fur, and heavy trapping of the animal, while a colorful part of American history, nearly eliminated the animal from some parts of the country. Their engineering ability has never endeared them to man either, as beavers can alter the flow of water in large areas dramatically with their network of dams. These critters are persistent, too. Knock out their dam once and they ll figure out a way to build it again. The new exhibit at the zoo offers a split level vantage to the workings of this busy community that occupies two pools at different elevations.
Water spills over a dam, and a larger pool opens up to a land mass flanked with plants.
Initially, dam-building materials were scattered about to trigger the beavers to begin dam building and repair work. In the wild, beaver live about 15 years. In captivity they can survive up to 20.