World Otter Day

World Otter Day History

World Otter Day is an annual event that seeks to raise awareness for the conservation of otters and their habitats across the globe. Established by the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), this day highlights the importance of otters to their ecosystems and encourages individuals to participate in campaigns to secure the future for the 13 species of otters found worldwide.

The observance of World Otter Day started in 2014. World Otter Day has been a platform to highlight the declining status of this species, which is characterised by habitat loss, pollution, and scarcity of prey. Over the years, World Otter Day has seen a surge in educational events, fundraisers, and initiatives related to otter conservation in the UK. These events focus on expanding awareness about these creatures and their significance.

Each year, World Otter Day takes place on the last Wednesday of May. By celebrating these animals and supporting the ongoing conservation work, the United Kingdom stands as a key contributor to the global efforts towards a thriving future for otters and their ecosystems.

World Otter Day facts

• Otters communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, whistles, and growls. They also use body language and scent marking to convey information and establish territories.
• Otters face several threats to their population:
  1) Pollution
  2) Habitat Loss
  3) Trapping
  4) Illegal Trade
• Otters have incredibly dense fur, with an estimated 1 million hairs per square inch.
• The most common species in the United Kingdom is the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter.
• Otters are protected by law in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, capture or disturb them.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Otter Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Otter Day

• Check out the International Otter Survival Fund. To learn how you can take action!
• Do what you can to help otters by adopting one, or by donating to support projects.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about otters in the United Kingdom. Here are our top picks:
  1. Charlie: The Otter Who Changed a Village (2020): This television documentary focuses on a rescued otter named Charlie and his impact on the community of Barton Turf, Norfolk, UK.
  2. The Secret Life of the Otter (2012): This BBC documentary showcases the natural habitat of otters in the UK, as well as their survival tactics and fascinating behaviors.
  3. The Otters' Tale (2017): A documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that follows the life of a family of otters in the Somerset Levels in the United Kingdom, providing a close look at their daily activities, habits, and the challenges they face in their natural environment.
  4. Natural World: Supercharged Otters (2017): This episode of the BBC Two Natural World series follows the fascinating lives of otters in the UK. Supercharged Otters showcases how these playful creatures have adapted to their ever-changing environment.
• Take a tour at your local nature reserves, like the Essex Wildlife Trust or the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and go on a guided otter-spotting walk.