These whiskered, web-footed swimmers are more than adorable — they are superheroes of our waterways, and they need us now more than ever!
These whiskered, web-footed swimmers are more than adorable — they are superheroes of our waterways, and they need us now more than ever!
Otters are remarkable animals that belong to the weasel family. There are 13 species of otters found around the world, living near rivers, lakes, wetlands, and oceans. They are known for their thick, waterproof fur, strong tails, and webbed feet that make them expert swimmers. Otters are intelligent creatures — some species even use rocks as tools to crack open shellfish for food! World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May every year to raise awareness about these wonderful animals and the threats they face.
Here in Singapore, we have a very special relationship with otters. The smooth-coated otter, known scientifically as Lutrogale perspicillata, has made a remarkable comeback in our city. After disappearing for many decades due to pollution and habitat loss, otters were spotted returning to the Singapore River in the 1990s. Today, several otter families, or holts, roam freely along the waterways of the Marina Bay, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and Kallang River areas. Singaporeans lovingly follow these otter families on social media, and they have become unofficial ambassadors of our clean waterways. Their return is a living proof that when we clean up our rivers and take care of nature, wildlife comes back!
However, otters still face serious threats worldwide. Habitat destruction, water pollution from plastic waste and chemicals, overfishing of the prey they depend on, and illegal wildlife trade all put otter populations at risk. In Singapore, our urban otters sometimes face dangers too, such as busy roads, fishing lines, and human disturbance. Scientists and conservationists monitor otter families closely to ensure they stay safe. You can help by never littering near water, not disturbing otters if you see them, and reporting injured wildlife to the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, known as ACRES, or to NParks.
Every small action makes a difference. A clean river really does mean a happy otter! When you keep our waterways free of rubbish, avoid using single-use plastics, and spread the word about otter conservation, you become a guardian of nature. Schools in Singapore often organise river clean-up activities and nature walks along places like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Southern Ridges. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with the environment and understand why biodiversity matters. On this World Otter Day, make a pledge — whether big or small — to protect our water habitats so that otters, and all water animals, can continue to thrive alongside us in Singapore and around the world.
