Fort Fisher Aquarium Welcomes Three Named Otter Pups
In a delightful development at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF), the community has chosen names for the triplet Asian small-clawed otters born in December. The male pups are now officially known as Nyx, Baloo, and Bodhi, thanks to the thousands of votes that poured in.
Nyx, the smallest and most reserved of the trio, often sports a grumpy expression. His name is derived from “Aonyx,” the genus of Asian small-clawed otters. Baloo, named after the Hindi word for bear, is the chunkiest and most advanced in his development. He is also known for being the loudest and the most agile, making it challenging to capture him in a photograph due to his constant motion. Bodhi, the longest of the pups, is characterized by his sweet nature and distinctive freckles on his nose. His name refers to a sacred fig tree native to the regions where these otters are found.
In an engaging event, the names were announced by Otter Ray, a neighboring otter, who made the reveal with the help of colorful ice treats made of scallops. Kristen Upton, NCAFF Lead Otter Keeper, commented, “Ray has been taking part in a lot of exciting predictions, Valentine celebrations and now the name reveal for the pups.” She added, “Each time we come up with a special enrichment that piques his attention and is also healthy for an Asian small-clawed otter.”
Currently, the pups are still behind the scenes, learning essential skills from their attentive first-time parents, Milli and Binx. The two-month-old otters have started to consume solid foods, navigate deeper waters, and engage in playful tussles over shells. This family of five, along with Otter Ray, is part of a significant conservation initiative at the Aquarium, a branch of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The otter pups possess unique genetics, making them valuable to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® program. Their lineage includes grandparents Si and Fun, who originated from the wild and were later cared for at Ocean Park Hong Kong after being confiscated by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 2018. Milli and Binx, the pups’ parents, were introduced to the Aquarium from different AZA facilities, ensuring the integration of new genetics into the population to enhance diversity.
Plans are underway to introduce the otters to their public habitat soon. The community is encouraged to stay updated on their debut by following NCAFF’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Located just south of Kure Beach, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is easily accessible from Wilmington and is part of the state’s network of aquariums under the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring conservation of aquatic environments and features diverse exhibits, including a 235,000-gallon habitat for sand tiger sharks, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat, and two families of Asian small-clawed otters.
The Aquarium operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with admission prices set at $15 for adults aged 13-61, $13 for children aged 3-12, $14 for seniors (62+), and military personnel with valid ID. North Carolina EBT cardholders can purchase tickets for $3, with free entry for children under 2 and members of the N.C. Aquarium Society and N.C. Zoo.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) plays a vital role in managing and promoting the state’s vibrant arts, culture, history, and natural landscapes. Through its more than 100 sites, DNCR enhances education, supports economic growth, improves public health, and strengthens community resilience across North Carolina. More information about DNCR is available at www.dncr.nc.gov.
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