Two otters transferred to NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher from Hong Kong to help reach population goals

FORT FISHER, NC (WWAY) — Two otters have been transferred from Hong Kong to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

A NCAFF team of animal care experts transported two Asian small-clawed otters, Milli and Shiny from New York to North Carolina, as the final leg of their long journey from Hong Kong on January 22nd.

Milli, a female, and Shiny, a male, are among pups born at Ocean Park Hong Kong in 2018 and 2020 to parents Si and Fun.

Caring for these Asian small-clawed otters advances the Aquarium’s goals to save this species, as they are among the nearly 300 programs in the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. The SSP identifies population goals and breeding recommendations to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population.

While AZA experts along with NCAFF strategize how to best support the well-being of Milli and Shiny, the Aquarium team is caring for them behind the scenes. Milli may stay at NCAFF, while Shiny will move to another AZA accredited zoo or aquarium. The otters began a 30-day quarantine when they arrived at NCAFF.

“Although Milli and Shiny will not be visible to our public, they are receiving individual attention to ensure they are adjusting well and that we are meeting all their physical and behavioral needs.  We are honored to care for them while we work with other zoos and aquariums and the SSP to make decisions on the best home for them,” said Shannon Anderson, lead otter keeper, NCAFF.

The story of Milli and Shiny underscores the importance of the work that both Ocean Park Hong Kong and the NCAFF are doing every day to save this species.