Quick Answer
The New York Times Mini crossword clue “Missing animal in ‘Zootopia’” is answered with “OTTER”, a 5-letter entry.
Clue: “Missing animal in ‘Zootopia’”
Answer: OTTER
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 2-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Missing animal in ‘Zootopia’” is answered with OTTER.
In the grid, it appears as O T T E R (OTTER).
Why OTTER Is the Right NYT Answer
- In Disney’s Zootopia, one of the key plot points is the case of Emmitt Otterton, an otter who goes missing and sets the mystery in motion.
- The clue “Missing animal in ‘Zootopia’” points directly to this character’s species rather than his full name, which gives the clean 5-letter answer OTTER.
- Answer lists and helper sites for the February 10, 2026 NYT Mini explicitly confirm 2-Down: Missing animal in “Zootopia” OTTER. It fits the five-square Down slot perfectly and aligns with the movie reference the clue is clearly evoking.
What OTTER Means in Plain English
- An otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal known for swimming, floating on its back, and often living in rivers, lakes, or coastal areas.
- In Zootopia, Emmitt Otterton is an anthropomorphic otter whose disappearance is central to the story’s mystery.
- So in this clue, OTTER is both a straightforward animal name and a specific nod to a recognizable character from the film.
Crossword-Specific Help for 2-Down
- On the Feb 10, 2026 NYT Mini, 2-Down runs through several Across entries, and all clue sources agree it is OTTER. As you fill the grid, crossings help you confirm the pattern:
- 1-Down BOXED (“Like some wine and Christmas presents”) gives the T and E intersections.
- 6-Across EXTRA and 7-Across NEEDY provide additional cross letters, quickly solidifying O T T E R.
- The resulting Down pattern O T T E R is distinctive, and once you notice the Zootopia reference, OTTER becomes the obvious and only fitting fill.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For movie-based clues, especially in the Mini, it helps to:
- Look for species or roles, not just character names (e.g., “snowman in ‘Frozen’” → OLAF, “lion king” → SIMBA, “missing animal” → OTTER).
- Check if the clue mentions a franchise in quotes; that usually signals a specific, well-known character or plot detail from that film.
When the grid wants 5 letters and references Zootopia plus a missing animal, OTTER should be your first guess, then confirmed via crossings.
