Otters have been given their own heated pool in their plush new home at Colchester Zoo.
Otter Creek has been officially opened at the zoo for a group of six smooth-coated otters. The only other places these otters can be seen are Belfast Zoo and the Rare Species Conservation Centre in Kent.
The new exhibit includes a main pool, equipped with water filtration and heating facilities to ensure the animals are comfortable. The otters also have plenty of plants, a swamp area, a waterfall and a running stream.
Otter Creek also has a selection of viewing areas for zoo visitors to catch a glimpse of the animals, with three separate viewing screens at different angles to the enclosure and two undercover interpretation areas. There is also a picnic area nearby so visitors can watch the otters whilst eating their lunch.
Zoo director Anthony Tropeano said: “As the otters have only just moved into their new home, they may be difficult to spot and you may need to return in the day to catch sight of the group, but they can often be seen getting up to mischief and playing around with each other.”
The two adult otters in the group joined the zoo last year after being rescued in Cambodia. The female otter then gave birth to four babies in spring 2011. The sexes of the pups are not yet known.
Mr Tropeano added: “Having come from rescue situations in Cambodia, it is really great news that the adults have now bred successfully.”