Two otters found happiness together again just in time for Christmas after both losing their long term partners.
Pumpkin the 15-year-old otter recently lost her elderly partner Eric and was finding life without him extremely lonely. She just wasn't herself so the Animal care team set out to find her a new mate.
11-year-old otter Harris also lost his partner Apricot, it was the first time he had been alone for four years. He was resigned to living the bachelor life at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall but was moved to Sealife in Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast to be with Pumpkin - their handlers were convinced they were an 'otterly' amazing match.
While Harris prepared for the big move, Pumpkin nervously awaited the arrival of her new significant 'otter'.
But animal carer and Aquarist Luke Moir said they were slightly concerned about introducing the two Asian short clawed otters to each other
"They can be very territorial and aggressive despite looking so cute and being cat sized they can be vicious little monsters" said Moir.
To ensure the best chance of a new pairing getting off on the right foot, it's best to introduce a new male into a female's territory. This ensures that the male easily submits to the female
Otters in love Photo: RNZ/ SEA LIFE Scarborough
They placed the two in a kennel together for one minute for Pumpkin to sniff out Harris.
These otters use scent markings as an important form of communication. Scent glands at the base of the tail emit an intensely musky smell to mark territory and communicate information concerning identity, sex, sexual receptivity and time elapsed between scenting visits.
"The smell is their first initial hello ... as soon as they realised there was another otter there they started doing these little squeaks of interest," said Moir.
"Since then they just started sniffing each other, playing with each other, exploring together, bonding, cuddling. I've not seen them go further than two inches from each other since they got together."
Otters in love Photo: RNZ/ SEA LIFE Scarborough
Meanwhile Harris is having some issues when it comes to attachment and is afraid of water despite there being a river running through their inclosure.
"Whenever Pumpkin does leave him, to go over to say hello to me for example, he starts freaking out and squeaking in this alarmed state and getting upset until she returns to him"
The happy couple will be celebrating their first Christmas together by having a special dinner of their favourite foods and exchanging presents. It's hoped they'll live happily 'otter' after.
Otters in love. Photo: RNZ/ SEA LIFE Scarborough
