THE TAKEAWAY
YOU OTTER KNOW A family of four Asian small-clawed otters settled into their new home at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher last year, the first time this species of otters has been part of an exhibit at the Kure Beach attraction. The smallest of all otter species, smallclawed otters live in pairs up to family groups of 20. They’re semi-aquatic mammals native to Southeast Asia and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. “The aquarium cares about saving animals locally and globally,” said aquarium director Hap Fatzinger when construction was about to begin on the aquarium’s otter habitat. “Caring for these otters, helping our visitors understand the threats the animals face will help inspire action for wildlife and wild places.” PHOTO BY KEVIN KLEITCHES 96
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