Face-to-whisker with giant otters and the ultimate otter experience

Otters have a special way of capturing hearts. With their whiskery faces, boundless energy and tight-knit family bonds, it’s easy to see why they’re a firm favourite at New Forest Wildlife Park. But did you know we’re home to four different species, including the mighty giant otter?

This makes us one of the best places in the UK to come face-to-whisker with these fascinating animals. From rare breeding successes to splashy antics, there’s always something to discover in our otter habitats. And if watching isn’t quite enough, our otter keeper experiences let you step behind the scenes and meet them up close.

Read on as we share more about our most mischievous friends here at the park. 

Where can you see endangered giant otters?

Right here at New Forest Wildlife Park! We are proud to care for seven giant otters across two large enclosures, giving you the rare chance to witness these magnificent endangered animals in action. Giant otters are native to South America’s Amazon basin and are well known for their powerful build, expressive vocal calls and strong family bonds. Watching them glide through the water or communicating with their siblings is something you won't soon forget.

In fact, the New Forest Wildlife Park holds notable UK firsts in Giant river otter conservation. Our male, Simuni, was the first ever giant otter to be born in the UK. Now aged 14, he also holds the impressive title of being the oldest giant otter in Europe to sire young. 

We were also the first UK park to send a captive-bred otter to an overseas breeding programme.

How big do giant otters get?

Giant otters certainly live up to their name. They can grow up to 1.8 metres long, about the size of an adult human! Their large, muscular bodies, webbed feet and thick, waterproof fur make them perfectly adapted for their aquatic lifestyle. 

They are truly awe-inspiring to see in real life, and even more so when you watch them effortlessly swim and interact as a family group.

Are giant otters dangerous?

In the wild, giant otters are strong predators and are incredibly protective of their young. However, at New Forest Wildlife Park, our otters are very used to seeing visitors and interacting with our animal keepers…from a distance. We have a clear understanding that all animals are wild, guiding our approach to avoid domestication.

While you should always admire these powerful animals safely from the viewing areas, there is nothing to fear when visiting. Watching them is a wonderful reminder of how wild animals can be both beautiful and formidable.

Meet the rest of the otterly brilliant bunch

As well as our giant otters, you can meet three other fabulous otter species during your visit:

• Asian short-clawed otters: The smallest otter species in the world, these little characters are bursting with energy and often heard chattering away. We have two enclosures here at the park. The family is highly active and vocal, especially around feeding time.

• Eurasian otters: Native to the UK, these near threatened, shy and graceful otters have made a wonderful comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Chestnut, our male Eurasian Otter loves to snooze!

• Smooth-coated otters: With their sleek fur and love of teamwork, these otters are always a joy to watch. Our ‘romp’ are very mischievous and a joy to watch.!

The New Forest Wildlife Park is deeply invested in otter conservation, not only by nurturing these fascinating animals but also by actively participating in breeding and rehabilitation initiatives to secure their future.

We are proud to be one of the few places in the UK where you can see so many different otter species in one place. Every visit helps support our conservation work and the care of these incredible animals.

A new generation of otters

Our otters continue to play an important part in international breeding programmes. We recently celebrated another birth of a giant otter cub, another real milestone for conservation and a heart-warming sight for visitors. 

We have also recently welcomed a very special new arrival in the smooth-coated otter family. You can read more about their cheeky antics here!

The best otter feeding experience

For those who want an even closer encounter, our Keeper Experiences offer the best otter feeding experience around. These special sessions allow you to meet and help feed all four species of otters under the guidance of our knowledgeable keepers.

You will get to learn all about their personalities, their favourite foods and their important role in the ecosystem. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking for an otter experience or the perfect gift for an animal lover. 

It could be a birthday treat, a once-in-a-lifetime day out, or simply a chance to spend time with your favourite animal. Either way, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and plenty of great photos.

Plan your otter adventure today

Four species, one park, endless whiskers! If you have ever wanted to meet a giant otter up close, experience the best otter feeding experience or simply enjoy a day surrounded by some of nature’s most charismatic animals, plan your visit to New Forest Wildlife Park today. 

We cannot wait to welcome you!