It’s tough being a wild animal in Singapore nowadays, having to share the creeping concrete jungle with human beings.
Two otters recently displayed their adaptability in navigating the city by climbing up a ladder from a drain, shown in a video clip captured by photographer Bernard Seah.
In his Facebook post, Mr Seah expressed his wonder, saying: “A couple of weeks ago, I discovered that smooth-coated otters learned to climb ladders.”
He said that the curious critters also sniffed his iPhone which was used to film the video.
Last Thursday (March 2), the mammals were also spotted basking in the sun at Marina Bay’s floating platform where the art exhibition Art-Zoo was taking place.
Recently, some of these wild animals are venturing out of their usual haunts like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin, and Changi into parts of the city.
They have been spotted at Marina Bay or the Singapore Botanic Gardens and have also taken up residence in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Adorable as they may be, members of the public should not touch, chase, or corner otters, the National Parks Board (NParks) says.
If you encounter these animals, it is best to observe them from a distance and not feed them as they can forage for clams, fish, and other small creatures from the environment.
According to NParks, otters are listed as critically-endangered in Singapore.
And did you know that enamoured Singaporeans also chose the Bishan otters to represent the country as part of the nation’s 51st birthday celebrations?
minlee@sph.com.sg
