Otter Conservation
Looking after the otters
Otters are shy and elusive creatures. They are from the same family as badgers, weasels, stoats, pine marten and mink. Sadly they are not as common. Because they are so timid and hard to see, no one really knows how many otters there are in the UK. One thing that is sure is that otters are considered by the International Union for the Conservation of Natures (IUCN) as being 'vulnerable to extinction'.
The threats to otters are many, beginning with the destruction of their habitats. They are also at risk from pesticides running off from farmland and polluting watercourses, being killed on our roads, a lack of food due to overfishing, drowning in fishing nets and general human disturbance.
Here at SEA LIFE Birmingham we play a valuable part in protecting this rare species.
We work closely with The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) to promote the importance of Otters and the dangers they face. Our otter area was created to showcase the Asian Short Clawed Otter as well as to bring attention to the plight of our native otters. Our Asian Otters are such good ambassadors for their species as everyone loves seeing our handlers feed them. Our visitors have fun whilst also learning about our conservation efforts.
We hold ’Otter Weeks’ throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for the IOSF.
If you want to get involved with our work for otters, or make a donation to help fund our work you can! Just email birmingham.displays@merlinentertainments.biz and we’ll get back to you. Thanks!