Asian Otters
Step into the World of Asian Short-Clawed Otters
At Dingle Oceanworld!
Get to know our charming group of Asian short-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus), who have been a firm favourite at Oceanworld since 2016. These otters, the smallest of the 13 otter species, are celebrated for their sociable and intelligent nature. Our exhibit gives you the perfect opportunity to witness their fascinating behaviours up close, from playful antics to their remarkable dexterity.
Meet Our Romp
Our otter family, or 'romp,' is a close-knit group, each member brimming with its own distinct personality. They thrive on interaction, both with each other and their environment. These otters are a delight to observe as they engage in social behaviours that strengthen their bonds, from grooming and playing to vocalising. Here’s what makes our romp truly special:
Our otter family, or ‘romp,’ is a close-knit group, each member brimming with its own distinct personality. They thrive on interaction, both with each other and their environment. These otters are a delight to observe as they engage in social behaviours that strengthen their bonds, from grooming and playing to vocalising. Here’s what makes our romp truly special:
Playful Antics
Our otters are known for their boundless energy and love for play. They engage in lively sessions of chasing, wrestling, and sliding into the water. These activities are not just fun—they are crucial for their physical and mental well-being, helping to develop their muscles, coordination, and social skills. Despite their small size and playful appearance, they are adept hunters and in the wild are capable of fiercely fending off potential predators with aggressive defensive behaviours, using their sharp claws, powerful bites, and coordinated group tactics.
Curious Nature
Asian short-clawed otters are highly inquisitive, constantly exploring their surroundings with their nimble paws and sharp senses. They use their sensitive digital pads to feel under rocks and in murky water, searching for food or new objects introduced into their habitat. Their curiosity is also a sign of their intelligence, as they learn and adapt quickly to changes in their environment.
Food Handling Skills
One of the most remarkable traits of our otters is their dexterity. Unlike other otters, their incomplete webbing between the toes allows them to use their paws with incredible precision. Whether cracking open shells or manipulating small objects, they showcase their ability to solve problems and use tools, making them an incredibly intelligent species in the animal kingdom.
Life at Oceanworld
Our otters live in a habitat designed to replicate their natural environment, providing them with everything they need to thrive. This includes plenty of water for swimming, rocks for climbing, and a variety of enrichment activities that stimulate their natural behaviours.
Our otters live in a habitat designed to replicate their natural environment, providing them with everything they need to thrive. This includes plenty of water for swimming, rocks for climbing, and a variety of enrichment activities that stimulate their natural behaviours.
Enrichment Activities
Enrichment is a key part of our otters’ daily life, designed to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Our team regularly introduces new challenges, such as hidden treats, toys, and various forms of play structures, which encourage the otters to use their natural foraging and problem-solving skills.
Diet and Nutrition
Our otters enjoy a varied diet rich in fish, crustaceans, and minced beef, specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Feeding time is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their hunting skills, as they often have to work for their food, mimicking the foraging they would do in the wild. You may see them digging in the grass looking for worm and insect snacks throughout the day!
Conservation Efforts
While our otters bring joy to visitors, they also represent the urgent need for conservation. Vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade, short-clawed otters highlight the challenges many species face today. At Oceanworl ...
While our otters bring joy to visitors, they also represent the urgent need for conservation. Vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade, short-clawed otters highlight the challenges many species face today. At Oceanworld, we raise awareness about these threats and support efforts to protect otter populations in the wild. Learn how you can help preserve these remarkable animals through our exhibit and Animals A-Z Guide.
Get Up Close
Don’t miss the chance to get even closer to these captivating creatures! Join our expert team for daily talks and feeding demonstrations, where you’ll discover the unique adaptations and playful personalities of our short-clawed otters ...
Don’t miss the chance to get even closer to these captivating creatures! Join our expert team for daily talks and feeding demonstrations, where you’ll discover the unique adaptations and playful personalities of our short-clawed otters. Learn how their dexterity, social bonds, and vocal communication help them thrive in the wild, while also gaining insight into the specialised care they receive here, from nutrition to enrichment. Feel free to ask questions and engage in interactive discussions to deepen your understanding of these remarkable animals.
Visit Our Romp!
Don’t miss the chance to see our otters in action! Dive into the captivating world of short-clawed otters, discover their natural habitats, and learn why their conservation is so important.
Don’t miss the chance to see our otters in action! Dive into the captivating world of short-clawed otters, discover their natural habitats, and learn why their conservation is so important.
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Feeding Times
Check the weekly schedule and join our Aquarists for daily feedings and talks!
Download TimetableAnimals A-Z
Learn more about the incredible species who reside at Oceanworld with our in depth animal guide!
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