Otter enrichment reaches a new level
Our resident otter family are enjoying lots of new enrichment activities as part of a plan being introduced by our keepers.
Mimi, Musa and Buster have started a newly formed enrichment plan put together by our living collection team, which will offer them increased mental and physical stimulation in their environment, bringing in different ways of feeding, fresh bedding and interesting new smells into their home.
Some of the interesting enrichment ideas the team will be trying in the coming weeks include the use of various crates placed or hung around the exhibit. These will be packed with straw bedding and lots of hidden food for them to find. Another idea is a KerPlunk style game with willow sticks and fishy treats.
As well as physical enrichment materials, the team will also be introducing a variety of new smells for them to experience. Herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint, as well as various mild spices including cinnamon and nutmeg will be diluted and sprayed in different areas of the exhibit - how very spa-esque! These new smells will spur on their natural inquisitive behaviour and offer them more sensory interests to explore.
Keeper Ptoli explains,
In the wild, Asian short-clawed otters would be coming into contact with new sights, sounds and smells every single day, in the form of plant life and other animal scents. For us to add new things for them to experience and recreate an environment that will increase their exploratory behaviour, in a positive way, as well as keep them physically fit, healthy and entertained is time well spent.
We can't wait to share the results of these new otter enrichment tools with you in the coming weeks, but in the meantime keep an eye out for these fun new additions on your next visit!
