Aquarium Team Heartbroken at Passing of Otter

Asta, the oldest Asian small-clawed otter at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) who endeared herself to so many visitors, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 7 under the compassionate care of the NCAFF otter team and the North Carolina Aquariums veterinarians. The team had been closely monitoring her health and when age-related conditions progressed to a point where her comfort could no longer be ensured, the Aquarium team responded with professionalism and respect, humanely euthanizing her.

At 17 ½, Asta had exceeded the life expectancy of this species in professional care which is 12-15 years. Following recent diagnostic tests, NC Aquariums veterinarians had placed her in palliative care.

Asta has been with the Aquarium since 2020 and is known for how she twirled in the pool and showed so much devotion to her son, Ray. The two were inseparable in the Otters on the Edge habitat at NCAFF. Juggling pebbles and shells were among her favorite pastimes, along with snuggling on a log or tucked into a hollowed-out log with Ray.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Asta, an otter beloved by us and the community." said Joanna Zazzali, NCAFF director. "We are grateful for the outpouring of support and love for her which has been comforting to us at the Aquarium."

Asian small-clawed otters are a special part of an Aquarium visit. NCAFF is among other zoos and aquariums caring for this species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. They are the smallest of the otter species and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Population numbers are declining because of several threats, including residential and commercial development, deforestation, the illegal pet trade, pollution, climate change, and poaching.

The Aquarium will be sharing remembrances of Asta on social media and invites the community to share their special memories and tributes by following the NCAFF social media on Facebook, Instagram and Threads and website blog for updates.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members.s. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages, preserves, and promotes the foundational resources that define North Carolina - its dynamic arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 locations across the state, DNCR provides experiences to enhance education, stimulate economic opportunity, enrich quality of life, and strengthen communities. All are invited. For more information, visit dncr.nc.gov.