OTTERS ON THE EDGE

Always on the move and otterly fun to watch, the Asian small-clawed otters capture the hearts of visitors. Grabbing attention comes naturally to mother-son unit, Asta and Ray, and pair, Leia and Quincy—and it is a good thing that visitors stop to watch these energetic animals at play. Keeping the spotlight on this vulnerable species is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan®(SSP) Program.

Sharing a Story of Survival

Beyond delighting in their antics, we hope that visitors will discover the importance each animal, even a rambunctious otter, has on our ecosystem and spur to action new partners in conservation. Leia and Quincy are paired through the AZA SSP.  The otter family was born and raised in human care as part of the SSP.

TALE of Two families

Visitors and staff discover their lively approach to eating and playing in the Otters on the Edge habitat at the Aquarium. Asta and Ray are in one area of the habitat and Leia and Quincy are in another. In 2021, Tritan, Asta’s daughter, went to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. There, she was introduced to Han, Leia's brother, who came from the Kansas City Zoo. This pairing along with Leia and Quincy, who have been together since December 2021 advances the SSP shared commitment to cooperative populations and program management. 

When to Catch them in the Habitat

The otters are on habitat daily from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. After that time they are behind-the-scenes for dinner. Please note, there may be additional unscheduled times when the animals are behind-the-scenes

MATERNITY LEAVE

Leia and Quincy are on maternity leave. This duo are proud parents of three female otter pups born on May 21. We can't wait to share them with the community once they develop all their otter skills—eating solid foods and swimming proficiently. The family of five remains behind the scenes as the new parents care for their new litter, with Quincy taking the lead role in teaching them new skills. 

Follow the otter pups journey on Facebook and Instagram. 

So much to "seA" and do!

Aquarium visitors explore the wonders of aquatic environments from freshwater streams and swamps, to coastline habitats, reefs and the open ocean, discovering unique habitats and animals from North Carolina and around the world. 

Get eye-to-eye with a sea turtle. Meet a rescued bald eagle. Watch sharks glide with rays and eels. Dig for fossils. Touch sea stars and horseshoe crabs!