THE plight of endangered Cambodian otters, being hunted to the brink of extinction for their furs, has turned the stomachs of eco campaigners around the world.
But now staff at Scarborough Sea Life Centre are helping to raise money to protect the species – by eating their way through plates piled high with insects every day next week.
The Cambodian otter is being hunted by illegal fur traders, and a camp
aign to save them has been launched by the International Otter Survival Fund.
Scarborough Sea Life Centre is home to two much-loved Asian short-clawed otters, Eric and Cherry, and staff were keen to support the campaign, which has been christened Furget-Me-Not.
During half-term week, aquarist Josh Saunders and customer service team member Toby Gough plan to boost campaign funds by munching their way through grasshoppers, beetles and ants.
Mr Saunders said: "Every penny raised will go towards helping native Cambodians develop alternate forms of income and encouraging them to protect, rather than hunt, their otters.
"Me and Toby decided a good way of raising a bit more cash would be to get visitors to donate to see us eat some of the insects that these otters probably also eat to supplement their diet in the wild.
"We'll be tucking in at 1pm every day Monday to Friday," said Mr Saunders.
"I'm not looking forward to it. But a minute or two's discomfort each day will be well worth it if it helps save otters."
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