Asian Small-Clawed Otter Encounter
Meet the world's smallest and most playful otters
Private Encounter Only
Walking Tour Admission is NOT included.
A separate walking tour ticket is only needed if you would like to explore the farm before or after your scheduled encounter.
Please arrive 10 minutes early. Sessions begin promptly and cannot be extended for late arrivals. All participants must complete the required waiver before arrival.
Meet Our Playful Otters
Spend 30 playful and educational minutes inside our private otter encounter with our otter family. This indoor experience is reserved exclusively for your group and allows guests to observe our Asian small-clawed otters as they explore, swim, dive, forage, play, or relax at their own pace.
A trained staff member guides the entire session, shares fun and educational information about otter behavior and care, and explains how to interact safely and respectfully.
Quick Details
Important Information
Animal Interaction Notice
Asian small-clawed otters are curious, fast-moving, and highly interactive animals. During normal play and exploration, they may investigate guests using their paws or mouths, and minor nips or scratches can occur even when behavior is playful and non-aggressive. Guests should be comfortable around energetic animals and willing to follow staff direction at all times. This experience may not be suitable for guests who are uncomfortable with close animal interaction, sudden movement, or the possibility of minor scratches.
Animal-Led Experience
Because this is a fully animal-led experience, participation may vary from day to day and may include two, three, or all four of our otters, depending on their comfort levels, personalities, ages, energy levels, training needs, and overall welfare at that time. Some otters may choose to actively interact, while others may spend time resting, swimming, or enjoying quiet time off-exhibit. Our goal is always to prioritize the welfare, comfort, and safety of both the animals and guests.
Guest Requirements
Guests must follow all staff instructions at all times. Guests will remain seated for most of the encounter, with brief periods of standing only when directed by staff. Touching or interacting with the otters is permitted only when explicitly instructed by staff.
Children & Adult Tickets
Children must remain seated, calm, and under close supervision at all times. An adult ticket is required for any adult present in the encounter room — adults cannot accompany a child on a child's ticket alone.
Waiver Required
All participants must complete the required waiver before arrival. Please plan to arrive at your scheduled time, as encounters begin and end promptly.
Risk Acknowledgment
Animal encounters carry inherent risk due to natural animal behaviors, curiosity, quick movements, and water-related activity. Otters may investigate guests using their mouths or paws, and minor nips or scratches may occur as part of normal, non-aggressive behavior. By participating, guests acknowledge and accept the possibility of minor scratches or contact and agree to follow staff guidance to reduce risk.
Safety & Comfort
If a guest experiences discomfort, unexpected contact, or wishes to step away at any time, staff must be notified immediately so the situation can be addressed. Staff reserve the right to modify, pause, or end an encounter at any time for animal welfare or guest safety.
Late Arrivals
Late arrivals may result in reduced session time. Sessions cannot be extended.
Amazing Otter Facts
🦦 Smallest Otters
Asian Small-Clawed Otters are the smallest otter species in the world, weighing just 2-11 pounds!
✋ Dexterous Paws
Unlike other otters, they have partially webbed paws with small claws, making them incredibly dexterous.
🗣️ Chatty Creatures
Otters are very vocal and communicate using at least 12 different sounds, including chirps, squeaks, and growls!
👨👩👧👦 Family Oriented
They're highly social animals that live in family groups and work together to hunt and raise young.
What to Expect
You'll Get To:
- ✓Watch otters play and interact
- ✓Participate in feeding time
- ✓Learn about their natural behaviors
- ✓See their amazing dexterity up close
- ✓Capture incredible photos and videos
- ✓Ask our otter experts questions
What to Bring:
- •Camera or smartphone (you'll want photos!)
- •Comfortable clothes (may get splashed!)
- •Closed-toe shoes required — Crocs and open-toed shoes are not permitted
- •Long pants strongly recommended
- •No dangling jewelry or loose accessories
- •Long hair must be pulled back in a bun or ponytail
Otter Encounter Gallery
Book Your Otter Encounter
Reserve your 30-minute otter encounter. These experiences fill up quickly!
Book Otter EncounterFrequently Asked Questions
Can I touch the otters?
Yes, you can touch the otters! However, you cannot pick them up. Our staff will guide you on safe interaction.
Will I get wet?
You might get a little splashed during the encounter! Otters love to play in water, and their enthusiasm can be contagious. We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting slightly damp.
Is this suitable for young children?
This encounter is recommended for ages 8 and up. Otters are curious, fast-moving animals and minor nips or scratches can occur, so it may not be a good fit for guests uncomfortable with close animal interaction or sudden movement. Children must remain seated, calm, and under close supervision at all times, and an adult ticket is required for any adult present in the encounter room.
How many otters will I meet?
We have 4 otters: Asia, Indie, Opal, and Ozzie! You'll get to meet them during your encounter.
Can I book this with General Admission?
Yes, but only if we're open that day for self-guided walking tours. The otter encounter is separate from General Admission, so you'll need to book both experiences individually.
Make It a Full Day!
Combine your otter encounter with other experiences for an unforgettable adventure.