NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher mourns loss of oldest otter Asta

North Carolina Aquarium Mourns Loss of Asta the Otter

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) community is mourning the loss of one of their oldest otters.

The aquarium announced that Asta, their oldest Asian small-clawed otter, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 17-and-a-half years, under the care of the NCAFF otter team and veterinarians.

The team closely monitored Asta’s health. When age-related conditions progressed to a point where her comfort could not be ensured, the aquarium team decided to humanely euthanize her.

Asta lived to 17, which is a significant achievement. She exceeded the life expectancy of this species in professional care, which is 12 to 15 years.

Asta had been with the NCAFF since 2020. She was known for twirling in the pool and showing devotion to her son, Ray. The two were inseparable in their habitat.

Among Asta’s favorite pastimes were juggling pebbles and shells, snuggling on a log, or resting in a hollowed-out log with Ray.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Asta, an otter beloved by us and the community,” said Joanna Zazzali, NCAFF director. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support and love for her, which has been comforting to us at the Aquarium.”

NCAFF is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, which cares for Asian small-clawed otters. These otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines.

They are the smallest otter species and are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Their population is declining due to several threats, including residential and commercial development, deforestation, the illegal pet trade, pollution, climate change, and poaching.