Asian Small-Clawed Otters Discover New Home at Artis Zoo, Amsterdam
A lively group of nine Asian small-clawed otters has recently moved into a renovated enclosure at Artis, Amsterdam's historic city zoo. These curious creatures can now be observed exploring their new habitat, offering visitors a fresh experience.
Exploring the Otters' Transformed Habitat at Artis
The otters' new home is situated on what was formerly known as the Monkey Rock, the previous dwelling of Japanese macaques. This area has undergone a complete transformation into a verdant island landscape, now seamlessly integrated with the surrounding natural environment. The design features a rich mix of trees, grasses, and shrubs, creating a natural setting for the otters.
The enclosure also incorporates the surrounding water, which has been enhanced with boulders, aquatic plants, and natural elements like dead wood. These additions cater to the otters' natural behaviors and lifestyle, providing an engaging environment for both the animals and observing visitors. While designed to eventually be shared with red pandas, currently only the Asian small-clawed otters reside in this newly revitalized space.
Meet the World's Smallest Otter Species
The Asian small-clawed otter holds the distinction of being the smallest otter species globally. Known for their cooperative nature, curiosity, and intricate communication, these otters often move as a cohesive unit. Their diet primarily consists of shellfish and crabs, which they adeptly open using pebbles or their strong teeth.
Within their social groups, these otters utilize an impressive range of up to 12 distinct sounds for communication. Their specialized dense, oily fur is crucial for their aquatic lifestyle, effectively repelling water and trapping air to keep them warm and dry while swimming. Unfortunately, the species faces conservation challenges and is currently listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Visitors can learn more about the Asian small-clawed otter and other species during their visit.
This new addition enhances the diverse animal experiences available at Artis, a key cultural institution in Amsterdam. To plan your next adventure and discover other fascinating cultural spots, you can browse all museums in Amsterdam or explore the city's cultural landscape on the Musemap (musemap.art) map view.
