NC Aquarium’s oldest otter, Asta, celebrating 16th birthday

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An Asian small-clawed otter is celebrating a milestone birthday this week.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s oldest otter, Asta, is turning 16.

A birthday party is taking place Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 11:25 a.m.

If you can’t attend in person at the Otters on the Edge exhibit, you can also enjoy the festivities on Facebook live.

Asta has been at the Aquarium since February 2020 and is beloved for her endearing traits of juggling pebbles and looking after her son, Ray. 

Asian small-clawed otters live up to 12 years in professional care, with some living longer than 20 years, according to the Aquarium.