In News

Two exciting furry friends have arrived at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, in Gloucestershire.

With a brand new holt - complete with living roof, WWT Slimbridge are delighted to have introduced two Asian small-clawed otters, named ‘Sam’ and ‘Tilly’, to their wetland centre.

The otterly adorable pair, aged seven and eight, arrived at the wetland centre from New Forest Wildlife Park on Thursday 27 July and were released into their revamped exhibit on Saturday 29 July. 

Image Credit Amy Alsop.

The Living Collections Team explained: “They are both settling in really well and are taking everything in their stride. They love the pool and visitors can spot them underwater from air bubbles escaping from their waterproof coats. 

"They have already been busy nest building – they have started collecting natural material from their outdoor area – including buddleia - making their nest look very pretty!”

Visitors can tell the otters apart from their whiskers, Tilly’s are longer than Sam’s and she is also darker and slightly larger. She is also the more dominant and confident of the pair.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre look forward to reintroducing their popular Otter Talks in the coming weeks when the otters are more settled into their new home.

As Asian small-clawed otters are considered vulnerable due to their homes sadly being lost due to human activities and pollution, Slimbridge Wetland Centre look forward to being able to help their conservation. 

Image Credit Lauren Edwards

Visitors can now come and see Sam and Tilly in their exhibit at the Otter Pool and learn more these marvellous mammals this summer holiday.

Thumbnail Image Credit Amy Alsop

Related

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Animals & Nature
man on wheelchair with geese

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, which was founded by Sir Peter Scott. All of WWT’s Wetland Centres – including Slimbridge, exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, so Slimbridge make it their principle that wetlands and wildlife are accessible to everyone.