A day out with my significant ‘Otter’

Last week we visited the Chestnut Centre in Castleton which is an otter and owl sanctuary. We visit here a few years ago and have always wanted to go back as it was such a lovely day out.

Feeding time was great. There was a couple who had paid for ‘Keeper for a day’ so during the first feeding time round the enclosures we saw what this was like. We first saw the European pine martin. He really liked jam so they smeared jam all around the enclosure.

We then moved on to the European pole cats. Although they look adorable you wouldn’t think that watching them eat dead chicks. After these we then watched them feed the Eurasian otters. Like the Asian short clawed otter these were very cheeky and would squeak until they had food in their mouth. Even though they had been fed shortly before it was like they had never eaten.

Then on to the giant otters, these guys usually like to eat piranha so the closest they could have to that was tench. It was funny listening to them growl at each whilst they were eating. The daughter in the pack would often try to steal mum or dad’s fish. She succeeded in stealing mum’s fish. There was plenty to go round but she wanted the ones they had.

Feeding the Deer was lovely. You walk past the Deer at the entrance but they are right up at the far end of the field. They all came running down to eat out of our hands.

The Asian small clawed otters are adorable. When it’s close to feeding time they would look up and squeak at everyone thinking you were bringing food.

There was recently a programme on BBC called Super Charged Otters. It looks like the Asian small clawed otter now has quite a high presence around Marina Bay in Singapore.

If you are ever up in Castleton this sanctuary is worth a visit the mammals are pretty fascinating. If you have been feel free to leave a comment. Also if anyone has spotted these little critters around Singapore recently please leave a comment, me and Jonathan are really keen to go and check out Marina Bay for ourselves.