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28th July 2011
WEYMOUTH: Otterly in loveLOVE is in the air at Weymouth Sea Life Park where resident otter, Jonny, has just been given a pretty new mate. Lilly has been acclimatising since her arrival in April but is now joyfully exploring her new home with enthusiastic attention from Jonny, an Oriental short-clawed otter. Displays supervisor Matt Fuller said: “The attraction was immediate and has grown. Lilly seems fascinated by her new home while Jonny seems to have started honing his courting skills. “Whenever there is a new arrival there will always be a slight concern how well they will acclimatise and we monitor the animals very closely, but we need not have worried in this case. Jonny’s romantic ambitions appear to have made Lilly feel very welcome!” Bridging the 11-year age gap, Jonny has been courting one-year-old Lilly by showering her with attention and gifts, earning himself a reputation as something of a sugar daddy. Matt said: “Having lived the single life for the past four years, Jonny is used to ruling his domain. However, since Lilly arrived Jonny has allowed himself to be pushed around and chirps lovingly at her. “He has also been seen sharing his food during public feeds which is unheard of in the otter world due to the amount they like to consume.” It could be a while before Lilly will be ready to mate as short-clawed otters usually reach maturity at around two years old. Thereafter, if the romance blossoms, the Park hopes to hear the pitter patter of baby otter feet. Matt said: “Sea Life has already seen successful otter breeding colonies in Scarborough and Hunstanton and we hope to emulate the same success here.” The Oriental Short-Clawed otter is one of the least endangered of all otter species and this status had led them to being the heroes of the otter world. In captivity they are used to develop and improve husbandry methods and breeding programmes and this knowledge has helped critically endangered otter species such as the Sea Claw otter and Brazilian otter escape extinction. The next big step for Jonny to take is to share his favourite food. Matt explained: “Jonny likes his food and isn’t particularly fussy, but he does love red meat. At the moment he’s sharing his fish, but we’ll know his feelings are true if he allows Lilly to share the whole feast!” PICTURE: Light-coloured Lilly and the darker otter, Jonny, enjoy food and each other’s company Photo by Geoff Moore 
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