Celebrating 12 months of Banhhea the cheeky smooth-coated otter!

Happy 1st Birthday Banhhea!

Banhhea is the cheekiest, naughtiest, and funniest smooth coated otter! Always up to no good, and often seen throwing clumps of grass, sticks, food and anything else he can get his paws on, into the air. When the rest of his family are trying to relax, Banhhea will be seen playing around, jumping on them, or will often be trying to get his siblings involved in a play fight. Unlike his siblings, Banhhea is not greedy with his food, he often can be seen playing with it instead of eating!

The birth of Banhhea is a significant event for New Forest Wildlife Park and the conservation of smooth-coated otters. These charismatic animals, native to South-east Asia, are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with their population having declined by 30% in the last 30 years. The main threats to smooth-coated otters are habitat loss, water pollution, and illegal trapping for the wildlife and fur trade. If current trends continue, it is predicted that another 30% could be lost over the next 30 years. 

As we mark 12 whole months of Banhhea, we thought we'd share some of his milestones as noted by the keepers here at New Forest Wildlife Park, Hampshire's destination for observing smooth-coated otters. Plus Banhhea is a very lucky cub as he has had his own personal photographer, visitor Helen Pinchin, taking pictures of him as he's grown.

Here’s an overview of his antics, milestones and lovable traits!:

10th of November 2024 - Born to parents Soriah (aged 10) and Song (aged 12). Banhhea is the third cub for mum Soriah and dad Song, joining older siblings Anupa and Ananda who were born in 2018.

17th December 2024 - First keeper sighting of Banhhea being brought out to his outside enclosure.

3rd December 2024 - Seen eating fish! Yum!

30th of December 2024 - During his 7-week check-up, Banhhea received a clean bill of health from the wildlife park’s veterinarian. He was also microchipped (which he didn’t appreciate!) to ensure accurate identification in the future.  

10th January 2025 - Seen independently swimming (this is usually 3 to 4.5 months).

19th January 2025 - At 10 weeks old, Banhhea is spending more time coming out of the family’s indoor holt and exploring the outdoor enclosure. Visitors to the wildlife park can observe Banhhea, his antics, and his family whilst learning more about conservation and how to support the efforts to protect these animals.

20th January 2025 - Banhhea started target training at only 10 weeks old! (again this is usually 3 to 4.5 months).

27th January 2025 - The mischievous cub has been named Banhhea which means “trouble” in Khmer. “Banhhea is a very feisty cub,” said Senior Keeper, Lizzy. “He is already exploring his surroundings and causing mischief wherever he goes, hence his fitting name!” 

10th February 2025 - Discovered his love for water hose play!

7th March 2025 - Realised floating balls are fun.

14th March 2025 - 4 Months old and Banhhea is becoming quite the naughty character. He is always up to no good and constantly winding his siblings up! 

7th May 2025 - 6 months old and We really did choose the right name as he certainly is trouble.. always up to no good, Banhhea is constantly running around with sticks, leaves and pine cones in his mouth. We are even finding pine cones stuffed into the pond filter pipes! 

28th June 2025 - Tried his first fish ice lolly. Loved it, but loved launching it into the air more!

21st July 2025 - Still an absolute menace who loves to carry things around in his mouth... although the attempt to carry his siblings did not go so well!

13th October 2025 - Soriah has definitely perfected that stern mum look for when Banhhea is up to mischief! 

3rd November 2025 - Perfected the art of balance on the floating ring.

10th November 2025 - Turned one and had a pool party with his family!

Visit Smooth-Coated Otters in Hampshire

New Forest Wildlife Park is committed to the conservation of smooth-coated otters to help ensure the survival of this vulnerable species.

Come and visit Banhhea and his family of smooth-coated otters at New Forest Wildlife Park, the top wildlife attraction in Hampshire to see smooth-coated otters near Southampton. Located in Ashurst, our wildlife park offers visitors the unique opportunity to observe these playful and endangered animals up close while supporting vital conservation efforts.

For that extra encounter, add a Keeper Experience to your visit (must be pre booked) and see the smooth-coated otters in a more intimate experience where you will work with the keepers and help to feed our otters fish/crustaceans or give them some enrichment to play with (like Banhhea's favourite - water hose play!)