Psilos Bird Photography

Martinmeres Short clawed Otters
On 14th July 2009 two Short clawed Otters were released into an enclosure at Martinmere. Ned, the male, four years old was born at Birmingham before being moved to the Blue Planet in 2007. Thai, the female was born in 2001 at the Weymouth Sealife centre before going to Gweek Seal sanctuary in 2002. Usually the male is the bigger animal but in this case Thai is the larger animal.
 
Ned the male otter playing in the sand
 

These otters are the least aquatic of all the 13 species of Otter around the world. They spend alot of time playing in the grass and sand in their enclosure. They have a very fast metabolism and need to be feed little and often.Their diet comprises 80% meat and 20% fish though they also eat a small amount of fruit and vegetables.
 
 

 
On 3rd October 2009 three babies were born. The pair who had only been together a short time proved to be perfect parents with all three youngsters being raised healthy and strong. Mina is the only girl cub and quite shy. Musa the smallest male cub though by far the boldest and Rod being the biggest.