Otter Pups Get Chance to Splash into the Big Pool

Nyx, Baloo and Bodhi will have an opportunity to take the splash into the big pool at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) on Wednesday, March 11, 9 a.m. at Otters on the Edge. It's a unique rite of passage for these Asian small-clawed otter pups and one that the community can join in on alongside staff and volunteers. The pups, now three months old, met the milestones of swimming, climbing and eating solid foods.

"The pups are doing very well and are ready to navigate the public habitat which includes a pool," said Kristen Upton, lead otter keeper, NCAFF. "We give them a choice, along with their parents to explore the larger area and the water."

The family of five and neighbor, Otter Ray are an important conservation initiative for the Aquarium which is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The pups share very special genetics. Here are some things that make them one-of-a-kind and promising additions to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® program for Asian small-clawed otters.

• Their grandparents, Si and Fun, were born in the wild.
• The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confiscated Si and Fun in 2018 and sent them to Ocean Park Hong Kong under the professional care of animal experts there.
• Milli was born at Ocean Park in Hong Kong in 2018 and arrived at NCAFF in Jan. 2024. Binx arrived at the Aquarium in the fall 2024 as her mate, also from an AZA facility.
• These pups represent the successful introduction of new genetics into the SSP® population allowing for an increase of genetic diversity to continue to support a healthy ex situ species population.

The community is welcome to reserve their tickets for the big event, which is included in an Aquarium experience. Online tickets are required to visit the Aquarium at NCAFF tickets.

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. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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