Lonely otters brought together at Scots zoo after 450-mile matchmaking mission

Two lonely otters from opposite ends of the UK have been brought together at Perthshire Zoo.

Following the death of her companion Olivia last year, 13-year-old Asian short-clawed Orla began showing signs of grief and stress, prompting keepers to search for a new partner to improve her wellbeing.

Working closely with specialist vets, the zoo team carried out extensive health checks before launching a nationwide search for a suitable companion.

Their efforts led them 450 miles south to Surrey, where nine-year-old male otter Ravioli was also living alone at Hobbledown Adventure Park and Zoo.

Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest otter species in the world and are currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, making successful pairings especially significant for conservation efforts.

After Ravioli arrived in Perthshire, zoo keepers introduced the pair through a carefully managed bonding process designed to build trust gradually and safely.

Jamie Verel, Park Keeper at Perthshire Zoo, said: “When Ravioli arrived the introduction process was incredibly delicate. We started with a ‘patience plan’, moving their enclosures just one inch closer each day over a couple of weeks to allow them to safely bond.

“Finally seeing Orla’s paws hanging through the bars into Ravi’s cage and Ravi gently kissing them has been emotional for the whole team and seems even more poignant ahead of World Otter Day.

“The successful matchmaking of Orla and Ravioli, with them now moving into their new log-pile home together, embodies what our zoo is all about.

“We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation of vulnerable species such as our short-clawed otters and are grateful to Hobbledown Zoo for entrusting Ravioli to us so that both otters could find their own happy ever after.”

The pair have now officially moved into their shared enclosure, delighting zoo staff and visitors alike.