Press release provided by official representatives of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher with permission

Our clients at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) are excited to release the latest updates surrounding the adorable new otter pups born May 21, 2022. These curious and cute Asian small-clawed otter pups have reached two key milestones—exploring shallow water and eating solid foods—and have settled into their newly chosen names!

Naming The Pups

Following two weeks of voting, the community chose Stella, Mae, and Selene as the new names for the fantastic female trio of Asian small-clawed otter pups at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF). More than 14,000 supporters made their voices heard online and in-person at the aquarium. The otter pups born on May 21 during a full moon, King Tide, and a storm, now have names that reflect that memorable night.

• Stella – Latin for “star”.

• Mae— For the Thai goddess of water, Mae Phra Khongkha, who is celebrated with a festival during the first full moon in November.

• Selene— Greek for “moon,” also the Greek goddess of the moon.
  
  Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. They are the smallest of the otter species and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Population numbers are declining because of many threats, including residential and commercial development, deforestation, the illegal pet trade, pollution, climate change, and poaching. Find out more at IUCN Red List. 

Individual Actions to Save this Species

While one person can’t do everything, everyone can do something—individual actions in local communities can protect local species and they can create a ripple effect that can lead to protections for species across the globe. Here are some great conservation action items:

• Buy shade-grown coffee—it’s produced on farms with a shade cover that provides important habitat for different species, preventing deforestation and destruction of homes for animals like Asian small-clawed otters.

• Don’t ever support illegally traded wild animals as pets.

• Think before buying furs.

• Support Aquarium conservation priorities by visiting North Carolina Aquarium Society.

Advanced Tickets Required

This continues to be a busy time at the Aquarium and the possibility of seeing baby otters may increase interest.

• For an enhanced visitor experience, advanced online tickets are required at the Aquarium, by visiting NCAFF Admissions.

• Sellouts happen, especially during holidays.

What can you do?

While one person can’t do everything, everyone can do something—individual actions in your community can protect local species and they can create a ripple effect that can lead to protections for species across the globe

• Buy shade-grown coffee—it’s produced on farms with a shade cover that provides important habitat for different species, preventing deforestation and destruction of homes for animals like Asian small-clawed otters.

• Don’t ever support illegally traded wild animals as pets.

• Think before you buy furs.

Stay Up on the Pups

Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram using #OtterPupsNCAFF