Meet Kai and Emmie, a bonded pair of otters here at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium with a shared mission to help secure a future for their vulnerable species.
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a breeding and conservation initiative led by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals like Kai and Emmie. The pair has already been approved for future breeding, and any potential pups will play a vital role in conservation efforts.
Kai, a male otter from an aquarium in Hong Kong, and Emmie, a female otter from Discovery Cove in Florida, were brought together as part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.
Since their introduction, Kai and Emmie have formed a strong and affectionate bond. Asian Small-Clawed Otters are monogamous and typically mate for life, and the connection between this pair grew quickly. They spend their days sharing food, playfully splashing through their habitat, and curling up together for afternoon naps.
Kai is often seen bringing Emmie small gifts such as sticks, stones, or fish. This gifting behavior is commonly observed in bonded otter pairs both in the wild and in human care.
Because Kai and Emmie come from different populations, their future offspring will add crucial genetic diversity to the existing Asian Small-Clawed Otter population in the AZA program. These pups will be key as the SSP program continues to monitor their species’ vulnerability and take action to support conservation efforts.
To follow their journey and to learn more about Asian Small-Clawed Otters, visit our Ford Expedition Asia Hall, or explore our social media platforms.