Otters Return to Orana Wildlife Park After Five Years

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 9, 2021 1:00 am

Some of the new otter family which have have arrived at Orana Wildlife Park in New Zealand

Photo Credit: Orana Wildlife Park

After an absence of 5 years Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, New Zealand is once again home to a family of Asian small-clawed otters.

The five boisterous brothers made the move across the ditch from Perth Zoo in Australia and went on display for the first time on Thursday July 8th, 2021.

The group is made up of 3 year old, Ikan, Bajak and Tiga and two year old, Siak and Tuk.

This move came as part of the a managed conservation program for the Asian small-clawed otter within the Australasian region.

— AD —

Lead Animal Keeper, Laura Ashton, says the new otters are delightful. “They are extremely busy boys, having the curiosity of a cat whilst being highly dexterous and nimble, able to manipulate objects in their hands. They become astounded by the smallest of things and love enrichment items. The boys sleep and nest together in the same space so we are greeted by a pile of otters in the morning! It will be so exciting to see them explore their new habitat.”

“Our team is delighted to welcome otters back to Orana. Our last animals sadly passed away in 2016 due to old age. Since that time, we have been liaising with our zoo partners to make this transfer a reality. Some major upgrades have been completed to the exhibit in preparation for the highly anticipated return of these amazing animals.”

Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of all otter species. They prove an indicator species within their environment as when a watercourse is polluted they will move to a cleaner one.

These animals are distributed from India in South Asia and eastwards towards the Philippines, Taiwan and southern China. They will live for up to 16 years.

Learn more about Small-Clawed Otters here – Asian Small Clawed Otter Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Orana Wildlife Park on their website – Orana Wildlife Park