Happy Birthday Lloyd, our Asian Short Clawed Otter

Happy 8th Birthday to Lloyd our Asian Short-Clawed Otter 🦦

Lloyd was the first of his species to arrive at the Zoo, and now he’s been joined by Pistachio, forming a playful and curious pair. Asian short-clawed otters are known for their strong social bonds and intelligence, and it’s been fantastic to see their personalities develop as they explore their home together.

Enrichment plays an important role in their daily care, encouraging natural behaviours like foraging and problem-solving. You might spot them investigating, splashing, and using their incredibly dexterous forepaws - which work almost like tiny hands - to feel for food in the water. This clever adaptation allows them to hunt crustaceans and molluscs even in murky conditions.

Native to South and Southeast Asia, Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest of the world’s 13 otter species. Despite their playful nature, they face serious threats in the wild and are currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss and the illegal pet trade continue to impact their populations, making conservation efforts more important than ever.

Our habitat has also been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating chippings from thousands of recycled Christmas trees donated through our annual campaign - creating a natural and enriching environment for the otters to enjoy.

Next time you visit, be sure to stop by and see Lloyd and Pistachio in action, and learn more about how we’re working to protect this incredible species 💚