Y’know, I don’t think otters are all that unusual, so why are they under the “unusual animals” section? We need a “mustelidae” section for otters and ferrets …

I’ve done my internship at a small zoo and worked with Asian small-clowed otters and yes, this is the noise they make when it’s almost feeding time. They’d recognize my work outfit (beige polo) and start squeeing like that. It’s pretty cute, they stand on their hind legs, we even had one that made little jumps! And that is also the reason that they’re all piled up, that is probably where they’re being fed or where the caretaker come into the enclosure.

I have been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium otter sanctuary now several times ain the last year. Ever otter population is now either on the endangered list or just steps away from it. They are losing habitate fast to both pollution and building.
We should be applauding teh conservationist efforts to help these beautiful fun loving furry creatures.
All sanctuaries give the animals plenty of room and water and even stimulating methods of getting their food and tons of natural play toys.
Zoo’s have come a long way from the small cramped cages of yesteryear. I have watched them change and improve through the years until they are nothing like what they used to be. I realize they have a long way to go but they are working on it bit by bit.

what are the little bebehs squealin about? here, lil otters, here’s 95 tons of abalone! is that better? whatever you want, anything, just name it! Oh, you need fish and hushpuppies, too? Comin’ right up!

Sure it is, Layla. Embedded YouTube videos sometimes seem to act weird, but it’s usually just your browser. Try refreshing the page (like with the F5 key) and then see if you can’t view it.

It’s not available anymore!

Aigh!

*shquee* Ottersottersotters. Aww, they go peep!

I’ve been to this place, and the enclosures are plenty big enough. What we’re seeing here is the squeaking that occurs directly before a keeper with food appears and the nomming gets under way. Much squeaking = nom time; at least that’s what teh otters seem to think. I suspect noms come anyway.

Just wanted to offer the link: http://www.ottersandowls.co.uk/welcome.htm for anyone worried about these adorable mewing fluffs! The site says that a majority of the animals are returned to the wild and most are in boxhab — err, rehab. Additionally, they’re perpetuating threatened species. I know zoos are contentious and we’re seeing a little corner of an exhibit, I don’t think we need worry.

MadameX, I’m just guessing that the Panda and Pony Center is just to the left of the Quail and Quokka Center.

(Quokka:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Quokka_Rottnest_Island_2008.jpg )