Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth celebrate otters’ tenth birthdays

Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium are set to host a month of celebrations in honour of the tenth birthdays of one of their most popular residents — Ralph, Patty, and Selma the otters.

Asian short-clawed otters Ralph, Patty, and Selma were all born at the aquarium back in 2006.

For all three to now be celebrating their tenth birthdays is a major achievement, and keepers decided it was such a special occasion that they would extend the party for an entire month.

Blue Reef Aquarium’s Hannah Butt said: “We will of course be giving them their own birthday party on the day itself but we have also decided to dedicate all of May to celebrate not only Ralph, Patty and Selma but otters in general.”

Otter Month runs all through May. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust visit on Saturday 7th May, where they’ll be showcasing the native wildlife on our doorstep here in Portsmouth, including wild otters.

On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May, the UK Wild Otter Trust will be on site to provide expert information on UK otter conservation. As part of the event, local wildlife lover Daphne Neville will be bringing along her tame otter for visitors to meet.

On May 21st May, author and otter expert Daniel Allen will be coming to the aquarium to give talks and provide first-hand information on otters and the work being done to help protect them. He’ll also have copies of his book, Otter, which customers will be able to get signed. The New Forest Wildlife group will also be attending with crafts and a badge machine.

The otters and their keepers will be celebrating the actual birthdays with some special treats and presents on May 23rd.

Throughout the whole of May, Blue Reef will also be running a selection of different arts and crafts sessions, each with an otter-related theme.

For more information, get in touch with Blue Reef Aquarium by calling Hannah Butt on 02392 875 222.

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