Giant otter

This endangered otter is found only in remote parts of the Amazon where it’s estimated only 2,000 to 5,000 remain. Habitat loss continues to threaten them, though most were wiped out by hunters wanting their luxurious fur.

Jeremy Goodman Ph.D., the executive director of Roger Williams Park Zoo, describes the mammals as “one of the most endearing species” and “very loud.” You can see and hear the mammals at his Providence, Rhode Island zoo.

One of the best spots for seeing them in the wild is at Peru’s Heath River Wildlife Center.