Asian Small-Clawed Otter Pups Debut at Otter Grotto in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney Conservation today introduced three new otter pups at the Otter Grotto. We happened to be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when the news dropped, and unfortunately, we did not get to see the otter-ly adorable babies playing, but they were peeking out from behind the log. The new baby otters will be out in the mornings, and eventually, it will become an all-day affair.
The three new Asian Small-Clawed Otter Pups are named Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato. Now, we need to know how they got those names. As we sat in Otter Grotto today, we got to witness Cast Members and the guests stop by hoping for an image of the new pups, who were napping at the time. Two, and we do not know which ones are which, kept popping their heads out for a glance.
Dr Mark Penning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom posted: “Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato have made their debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest otter species, and they are born with their eyes closed. Born back in December, they are dependent on their parents, Kevin and Mae, teaching them how to swim and to be an otter! Now, they’re ready to swim, explore, and inspire all those who come to visit Otter Grotto!”
This is just the newest baby born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bakso the Tiger and Tucker the Giraffe have both debuted in the past 4 months.
Asian Small-Clawed Otters – Disney Animals: Discover Asian small-clawed otters and learn what makes these playful creatures otter-ly amazing! The smallest of all otters, the Asian small-clawed otter, is found in shallow freshwater habitats across southeast Asia. They have an acute sense of smell, and they communicate by rubbing their scent glands against rocks, trees, and stumps.
Delight in the antics of the Asian small-clawed otter on Discovery Island Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Home Away From Home: Disney animal care experts cater to the unique needs of these otters—recreating their freshwater habitats to help them feel at home and exhibit natural behaviors.
Here’s an inside look at the life of an otter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:
- Tasty Treats: To encourage the use of their nimble paws, the otters are given mussels and clams to pry open. They also enjoy fish popsicles as a refreshing summertime snack.
- Land-Lubbers: Asian small-clawed otters prefer to spend the majority of their time on land—climbing, hunting, playing and resting among rocks and burrows. Rocks and logs provide a great place to explore and climb—and they also serve as great scent-marking stations.
- Naturally Talented: Through positive training techniques, Asian small-clawed otters learn to participate in their medical care. Responding to the cue of an animal care expert, the otters present their hands and feet for examination, and they open their mouths for dental check-ups.
Disney Conservation: Saving Otters: Habitat loss and pollution threaten the lives of the Asian small-clawed otter. The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund* supports organizations and communities working to protect spaces for people and wildlife across Asia and the world.
