New additions to wildlife centre don’t care if it’s still wet outside

A new otter enclosure, complete with a waterfall, has opened at a wildlife centre near Sheffield.

Otter Springs at the Tropical Butterfly House is now home to two short-clawed otters, Raiden and Nuri.

Zoo Curator and manager, Andrew Reeve, worked with the park’s owner, construction team and animal keepers to design a setting spectacular to look at and the best possible environment for the otters. It has been completely re-landscaped to fit the needs of its new residents.

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Mr Reeve said: “A waterfall runs from the highest point at the back of the enclosure to a large pool at the front.

“Grassy, wildflower areas have also been incorporated as the otters are semi-aquatic, as well as heated indoor quarters. We’re thrilled with the end result.”

The front of the enclosure is set several feet below ground level to provide an optimum viewpoint for visitors.

Glass panels also run down one side of the enclosure offering the opportunity for close encounters with the otters.

Short-clawed otters are the smallest species of otter in the world and the wild population in Asia is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution and hunting in some areas.

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