City News

Resident otters at the National Sea life centre have been put on a strict exercise routine to get in shape for 2008. The centre has appealed to local children to design enrichment games to help shed the excess pounds.

“Otters need a huge amount of stimulation as in the wild they are often very active.  Across these winter months and short days, it can be difficult to get them out of a slumber, this seemed a perfect idea to get them going” said Amy Morton, Aquarist at the centre.

Staff at the centre have set up a number of successful games over 2007 including treasure hunts with food, a swing, rattling balls with bells in and ice cube mountains.

“The otters have always been interested at first with the games, however it’s always a challenge to think of something new for the frisky five to keep them occupied as they get bored easily” said Amy.

Otters love activities that involve shiny materials, make noises, games where they can use their paws, tests of agility and where they can work as a team.  Please remember that the game designs need to be durable as the otters have quite sharp teeth.

All designs should be sent to Gemma Wallace, The National SEA LIFE Centre, Brindleyplace, Birmingham. B1 2HL by 12th December. Make sure that you include your name, age and contact details and you annotate all designs so they can be interpreted accurately.

The winning design will be made up and given to the otters as an Early Christmas present and will form part of a new morning training routine to get the furry five in shape for 2008.