New Event to Introduce Kotomekawa Otter Ecology and More at Kobe Animal Kingdom

　On September 1, “Otter Talk,” an event to introduce the body characteristics and ecology of otters, will begin at Kobe Animal Kingdom, an all-weather facility on Kobe Port Island (7 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe; tel 078-302-8899 ).

Kotome Otter

　Otter Sanctuary – Otter Otter Ecological Park,” a display area for otters located in Outside Park (outdoor area), covers a total area of 880 square meters. It opened in July 2022, based on the concept that “an exhibition space must be wild.” In the area realistically recreated by using plants that coexist in the habitat, there are nine animals in a group consisting of three generations, and two pairs, one male and one female.

　One of the pairs was smuggled in from Kansai International Airport and was protected. Ms. Nonoka Kinoshita, a member of the breeding staff, says, “The Kotomekawaso otter is popular among men and women of all ages for its dull eyes and charming behavior. On the other side of the world, their population is decreasing due to habitat destruction caused by agricultural land development and deforestation, and hunting for their fur. In their habitat, they are considered a protected species and will be listed in Annex I of the Washington Convention in 2019, and international commercial trade is regulated, but with the recent pet boom and other factors, poaching and smuggling are thought to be rampant,” he said.

　The zoo believes it has a responsibility to inform the public about the various situations surrounding the otters that lie behind the “cute” animals, which is why it planned this event.

　While showing visitors the cute and cuddly otters, we will also introduce the problems that otters are facing today. We hope that this event will also provide an opportunity for people to think about the relationship between humans and animals.

　The program starts at 3:45 p.m. (about 10 minutes, subject to change or cancellation depending on circumstances).

　Open from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on Thursdays (open on national holidays). Admission is 2,200 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 1,200 yen for elementary school students, 500 yen for infants (4 years and older), and 1,600 yen for seniors (65 years and older).