Two female Asian small-clawed otters have made their debut
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (MAY 16, 2025) – Niabi Zoo will debut a new animal species this summer: Asian small-clawed otters, the smallest otter species in the world. The pair, named Tina and Louise, are on exhibit in Niabi’s Biodiversity Hall.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, these small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) are known for their dexterous front paws and short claws that don’t extend beyond their webbed toes — adaptations that make them particularly skilled at foraging. These animals typically inhabit riverbanks, wetlands and mangrove swamps, feeding on a variety of mollusks, crabs and other small aquatic animals.
The female otters arrived at Niabi this spring as part of a cooperative placement with other accredited facilities. While they are often found in pairs, this species also lives in extended family groups of up to a dozen individuals in the wild.
“Asian small-clawed otters are known for being active and playful, and we’re thrilled to be able to share them with our visitors,” said Lee Jackson, director of Niabi Zoo. “Bringing species like these to Niabi is part of our broader mission to inspire curiosity, connect people to wildlife and elevate conversations around conservation.”
Asian small-clawed otters are currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat destruction, pollution and illegal hunting. The IUCN’s Red List is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species, evaluating factors such as population size, range and threats to survival.
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About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, and discover more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating people of all ages about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and ecosystems for future generations. Niabi Zoo is working today to assure a better tomorrow for all living things. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. To learn more about the Niabi Zoo Foundation, visit Niabizoofoundation.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Lee Jackson
Zoo Director
#(309) 799-3482
ljackson@niabizoo.com