World Otter Day: Celebrating Our Adorable Asian short-clawed at Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Wednesday, May 29th, is #WorldOtterDay! A day dedicated to appreciating these playful, charismatic creatures and raising awareness about their conservation. What better way to celebrate than by visiting the adorable Asian short-clawed otters at Battersea Park Children's Zoo?

Meet Tia and Mr. Darcy: Our Resident Otter Extraordinaires
Our dynamic duo, Tia and Mr. Darcy, are the smallest species of otter in the world. These delightful creatures, part of the weasel family, are diurnal, meaning they're active during the daytime. In the wild, they enjoy a diverse diet of fish, crabs, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and even small mammals which we replicate at the zoo. Their sensitive webbed feet help them uncover hidden treats in riverbeds, while their whiskers and strong, rudder-like tails make them exceptional swimmers.
Meet Tia and Mr Darcy.

The Art of Otter Juggling
One of the most captivating traits of Asian short-clawed otters is their incredible dexterity. Their short claws allow them to use their paws like hands, expertly searching for food in shallow waters. This unique skill also translates into a playful habit of juggling stones, shells, grapes, or cherry tomatoes! It's a sight you won't want to miss.

Fun Otter Facts
- Natural habitat: These otters thrive in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps.
- Functional fur: Otters are like living wetsuits! They have two specialised layers of fur.The outer layer acts as a waterproof coat, repelling water and keeping them dry. The inner layer is a dense, thermal layer that traps heat and keeps them warm in the water.
- Chatty charmers: Asian short-clawed otters have a vocabulary of 14 different sounds to communicate with each other.
Join Us for World Otter Day
Don't miss your chance to celebrate World Otter Day with Tia and Mr. Darcy at Battersea Park Children's Zoo! Learn more about these fascinating creatures, their habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild. Together, we can make a difference in their conservation.

We can't wait to see you at Battersea Park Children's Zoo!