Otter family upsizes to new habitat at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
A growing family of Asian small-clawed otters is getting a larger habitat at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) this week.
Parents Leia and Quincy welcomed three new otter pups this year - Gemma, Kai and Ren - to their growing family, which already included year-old sisters Stella, Mae and Selene.
The aquarium announced Tuesday that the otters would be moving to a larger habitat with three pools, interactive waterspouts and nesting areas. The family will make the move on Wednesday, which is also World Otter Day.
"We think every day should be World Otter Day," said NCAFF Otter Keeper Shannon Anderson. "Visitors will be inspired as they watch these otters and their antics from so many angles, and our hope is they will take action to protect them."
In addition to the new habitat, the aquarium's World Otter Day celebration will also include otter-inspired activities throughout the day.
The otters have been getting statewide attention. The aquarium said this has helped bring awareness to Asian small-clawed otters, which are a vulnerable species.
Summer months are typically busy times for the aquarium, so purchasing tickets in advance online is required.
