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Widowed otters fall in love during lockdown – now they’re shacking up thanks to internet
They were lonely and living in separate sanctuaries- then the internet stepped in. 🦦🦦💞
Jonathan Arrastia
12.10.20

Significant Otters

Losing a loved one is a different type of pain that lingers forever, without disappearing. It’s like a scar that remains visible throughout time to act as a reminder of what was. It’s not easy moving on, but grieving is a part of recovery.

A strong will is required to take those steps to strengthen yourself and move past the terrible trauma. For Pumpkin and Harris, two Asian short-clawed otters, it was an unfortunate experience they both had to go through.

Sea Life Scarborough
Source:
Sea Life Scarborough

A press release from SEA LIFE Scarborough sanctuary in England announced that Eric and Apricot, Pumpkin and Harris’ respective partners, have both died and passed away. There was worry that the two otters would not be able to recover emotionally from such a sudden loss.

Flickr-kaoru hayashi
Source:
Flickr-kaoru hayashi

Fortunately, the otters’ caretakers communicated with their communities and networks in order to find a suitable otter for their own. SEA LIFE was able to reach out to The Cornish Seal Sanctuary and was successfully able to hook the otters up.

As it turned out, the breeds were a perfect fit for each other since they matched equally.

Sea Life Scarborough
Source:
Sea Life Scarborough

It was a wonderful thing to do for the otters who had been suffering for some time. Not having their ex-partners there has made life incredibly hard, but at least they can rest easy knowing that time heals all wounds.

Flickr-William Warby
Source:
Flickr-William Warby

“To ensure the best chance of a new pairing getting off on the right foot, it’s best to introduce a new male into a female’s territory so that the male more easily submits to the female on first meeting,” the Scarborough sanctuary mentioned.

However, it seems like the otters are getting along just fine! Such a cute scene it must have been when these otters came together in harmony.

Flickr-DarrelBirkett
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Flickr-DarrelBirkett

“We are absolutely delighted that Pumpkin and Harris are getting on so well and he has settled in so quickly,” Tamara Cooper, curator at The Cornish Seal Sanctuary said. “He is very much missed here at the Sanctuary but after everything Pumpkin and Harris have been through with losing their partners, it is the perfect fairytale ending for them to have found love again.”

For most of their lives, Asian short-clawed otters remain monogamous.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium mentions that these faithful furry creatures typically stand loyally by one mate.

Sea Life Scarborough
Source:
Sea Life Scarborough

Did you know Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest otter species out of a total of 12 (2012 marked the death of the 13th species of otter, the Japanese river otter)?

A select number of otters are only aquatic, but some others spend more than half of their time on land.

Flickr-pelican
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Flickr-pelican

These little fellas can be found in wetlands and along lakes and riverbanks around the south of Asia. Many of their numbers are being decimated due to the destruction of their homes and habitats.

Sea Life Scarborough
Source:
Sea Life Scarborough

One of the otters, Harris, is staying in touch with his otter friends and human caretakers back in Cornwall sanctuary. How? Through the wonderful use of technology! Specifically, WhatsApp.

Sea Life Scarborough
Source:
Sea Life Scarborough

The sanctuaries seem to be in touch with each other to make sure the otters are being nurtured into good health.

Pictures, videos, and more updates get sent periodically to keep up with the aquatic goobers.

“The animals really do become part of the family so he will be very much missed by the team at Gweek,” said the rep from SEA LIFE.

Flickr-Eric Kilby
Source:
Flickr-Eric Kilby

It’s great to see these fur babies enjoying company with one another. Nothing brings more delight than the love they have for each other, and that they were able to build it amidst going through their own personal struggle.

Cheers to many more otter years!

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