OTTERS Basil and Josie have made their debut in Port Macquarie, just in time for the school holidays.
The siblings turned five last Monday and had plenty of visitors to help them celebrate.
They have officially taken up residence at the zoo after relocating from the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra as part of a national conservation initiative.
The smallest of the world’s 13 otter species, Asian Small-Clawed Otters (Aonyx cinereus) are currently classified as vulnerable.
Despite their popularity online, they face mounting threats in the wild, which makes conservation messaging more important than ever.
The brother-sister pair will play a vital role as species ambassadors, helping raise awareness of the threats otters face in the wild, including habitat destruction, pollution, and the illegal pet trade.
“Asian Small-Clawed Otters are a species we expressed interest in many years ago,” said Blake Stone, Operations Manager at Billabong Zoo.
“Given how few are held in Australian zoos, we’d almost written off the possibility [[of having any].
“So when the call came nearly two years ago, we jumped at the chance.
“From exhibit design to species-specific welfare planning, it’s been a huge effort and we’re incredibly proud of the result.”
Excited zoo patrons joined Blake and Zookeeper Naomi Gardner at the custom-designed habitat, which features an expansive aquarium, flowing stream, and deep plunge pool.
“It is great to see that Basil and Josie in under 48 hours are already accessing every opportunity that we’ve provided,” Blake said.
The duo are confidently interacting with zoo staff during their five feeding and viewing times each day and they are full of energy and fun, offering visitors an extraordinary viewing experience.
Natalie Price and Codie Smallwood went to every session with Basil and Josie on Monday.
“The otters are my favourite animal,” said Natalie.
Codie said, “I’ve been waiting since the first social teaser with the otter silhouette and am so excited to see them.”
Looking ahead, Billabong Zoo plans to introduce personal otter encounters; offering a safe, behind-the-scenes opportunity to connect more closely with these charismatic animals.
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
