Otter Feeding Experience: Get Up Close with Playful Small-Clawed Oriental Otters

Immerse yourself in an encounter at the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, UK where you can observe and take part in the fascinating world of small-clawed Oriental Otters. Participating in this hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to witness the otters in their playful splendour and watch them swim, splash, and engage directly in their feeding routine—a close look into their daily lives. Take part in feeding these cute animals in this 30-minute experience to watch them eat and play from a close distance. But be quick! Only two people are allowed per session.

The Oceanarium is home to a charming family of Oriental small-clawed otters, the smallest otter species known for its dexterity and sociable nature. These otters, originating from freshwater streams, mangroves, and wetlands of South and Southeast Asia, exhibit remarkable characteristics that captivate visitors. Within the lush bamboo forest setting of the Otter Oasis, discover their adept swimming, and foraging skills, and their pivotal role in the ecosystem. The experience is both educational and delightful, blending fun facts with direct observation.

Watching the otters during their feeding time is a joyous event. You'll see the otters exhibit natural behaviours such as foraging and playing, demonstrating their agility and intelligence. Their energetic antics and interactions are both endearing and entertaining, providing a deeper appreciation for these fascinating animals.

Get involved in the otters' feeding time under the careful guidance of the Oceanarium staff. This interactive session allows you to contribute to their enrichment exercises, giving you a hands-on approach to wildlife care. At £49.95, this experience offers exceptional value compared to similar activities elsewhere, allowing you to toss treats and assist in feeding in a safe, controlled environment. It's a participatory event designed to enrich both the otters and the visitors alike. Keep in mind that coming into close contact with otters does not represent playing or petting them, but observing them from a close, safe distance.

Beyond the joy of feeding, the Oceanarium offers educational talks, providing insights into the otters' biology, ecology, and the crucial role they play in their habitats. These sessions underscore the otters' importance in marine ecosystems and offer a deeper understanding of their lives.

The otter feeding experience also serves as a platform for conservation education. It highlights the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats, focusing on the environmental issues that impact otters and marine life.

For families and children, the Otter Feeding Experience at the Oceanarium is more than just an activity; it's an opportunity to forge lasting connections with nature. Stories abound of children's joy when interacting with these otters, making it a truly unforgettable part of their visit. Book your otter feeding experience now! Limited places are available only.

The Oceanarium's animal feeding experiences don't just stop at otters. Unlike many other zoos, a variety of feeding sessions is available, adding extra value to your visit. These experiences are designed to be informative, engaging, and memorable, ensuring that every moment spent is a step closer to understanding and appreciating our aquatic friends.

Enter the penguin enclosure for a close-contact experience feeding our Humboldt penguins and Inca terns. Prepare their food alongside our penguin carers and help them during penguin lunchtime. While others watch the Feeding Presentation from afar, you will be one of the protagonists! Book your place at least five working days in advance to make sure you can access this experience. 

If you are brave enough, you can participate in the Blacktip Reef Shark feeding experience! Help keepers prepare their food and deliver it to the sharks waiting under the surface. A special activity for those looking for some adrenaline-pumping experience. Only one participant can take part in this feeding, so book your place as soon as possible!

One of the most special feeding experiences is found in the Oceanarium: feed Seamore, our Guitarfish stingray! Stingrays are bottom-swimmers, and they glide along the ocean bed, moving sand around to get prey out of it and eating them. In this case, you will be able to toss the food into the water for Seamore to catch it along his swim across the Key West tank! Make a reservation for this experience.

To finish with feeding experiences, spending time with turtles can be the perfect ending. Meet Carrie the Loggerhead turtle, one of the most majestic and peaceful creatures in the aquarium, and help her keepers feed her during feeding presentations. Reserve this experience quickly; only one person is allowed in each session!