50th Anniversary of Otto Otter

December 12, 2025 - ongoing

Yellow ribbon flanked by Otto Otter from 1975 and 2025

In 1975, a special ambassador named Otto Otter was created through a children’s art contest in the Bureau of Reclamation’s Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region. He began as a friendly face to teach canal safety, and over time became a symbol of Reclamation’s long-standing commitment to safety, education, and public service. Now, 50 years later, Otto has been revitalized to reflect Reclamation's modern mission and continued dedication to water safety education across all its canals, dams, reservoirs, and recreation areas.

The Interior Museum's newest exhibition honors Otto's continuing legacy with one of his retired costumes, plus examples of public outreach materials distributed to schoolchildren throughout the West over the past five decades.

(60 square feet)

Resources

►1:50 Video: The Surprising Origin of Otto Otter: 50 Years of Water Safety Fun (December 2025)
Bureau of Reclamation's Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region and the Otto Otter Water Safety Program

Accessibility

Visitors with Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) may borrow EnChroma-enhanced eyewear to aid in seeing an expanded range of colors more clearly and vibrantly during their gallery experience.

Exhibition Highlights

Otto Otter Costume, circa 2010

Collection of the U.S. Department of the Interior Museum, INTR 07947 | Transfer from the Bureau of Reclamation, 2025

Otto Otter Costume, circa 2010

For more than a century, Illinois-based Facemakers, Inc. has been "America's mascot-maker," creating custom costumes for universities, sport teams, corporate brands, and even Smokey Bear. The company fabricated this version of Otto Otter circa 2010, and for nearly 15 years, volunteers wore the costume to schools, community fairs, and public events across the West. Retired in 2025 with the 50th anniversary update and rebranding of the Otto Otter campaign, this costume is now preserved in the collection of the U.S. Department of the Interior Museum as as an enduring symbol of the Bureau of Reclamation's water safety initiatives.
Otto Otter Sticker

Collection of the U.S. Department of the Interior Museum, INTR 07954

Otto Otter Sticker

Colorful decals reinforce Otto Otter's key takeaways. In 2016, the program expanded its audience to include pet owners with a "Leash Up, Stay Out, Stave Alive" campaign.
"Otto Otter for Safe Canals" Coloring Book, 2006 edition

Collection of the U.S. Department of the Interior Museum, INTR 07963

"Otto Otter for Safe Canals" Coloring Book, 2006 edition

The Bureau of Reclamation started publishing Otto Otter coloring books in the mid-1970s. In 2006, Reclamation illustrator Bobby Gaytan gave Otto a makeover, and the safety tips in English and Spanish were combined into one book. Over the years, up to 45,000 copies have been distributed annually.