Bonnie and Marie, a cute pair of Asian small-clawed otters, share an enclosure at the Australia Zoo. The sisters were born in 1998 at the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand, the result of a very successful breeding program.
At 2 feet in length, one-third of which is tail, Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of the world's 19 otter species.
They are called "small-clawed," or "clawless," otters because their claws don't extend beyond the fleshy end pads of their fingers and toes. Rather, they have hand-like paws with nimble digits, and are the only mammals other than primates capable of using them with human-like proficiency.
Their dexterous paws allow them an excellent sense of touch and coordination. Unlike other otters they capture food with their forepaws, probing beneath mud and under rocks in shallow water for crabs, snails and other mollusks.
Small-clawed otters live in Asian-Pacific countries, preferring swampy mangroves, freshwater wetlands and lazy streams for habitat.
They are very frisky and love to frolic about and play games like "chase" and "tug of war." They also love sliding down muddy embankments time and again.
When not having a blast, small-clawed otters like to sun themselves on rocks or take leisurely swims.
They live in loose family groups of around 12 members, all of whom keep in touch with each other via scents and sounds. Their vocabulary includes at least 12 distinct calls.
Mating pairs are monogamous, lifelong partners. Both parents care for their young, who are born small and helpless in a litter with up to five other pups. The pups won't open their eyes for 6 weeks, swim for 9 or take solid food for about 12.
Fishermen in Southeast Asia use small-clawed otters to drive schools of fish into their nets. The fishermen, who breed them for this purpose, will usually allow the harnessed otters to keep any fish that they catch.
Want a closer look? Check out More Otter Photos.
Enhance your experience: Watch Otters in Action!
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