Gwangju Otter "Dalsuni" Meets New Companion from Gyeongnam... Joins Uchi Zoo

Endangered Otter Rescued from the Riverside in Haman Joins Zoo
Decision Made to Provide Sanctuary After Difficulty Returning to the Wild

An endangered otter, rescued as an infant from the riverside in Yeongnam and raised by humans, has relocated to Gwangju to begin a new chapter of its life. Instead of returning to the wild, it is preparing to live with another rescued otter in a shared space. The animal is expected to be revealed to the public for the first time later this month.

Photo of an otter. Provided by Uchi Zoo

According to Uchi Zoo on April 7, the zoo recently welcomed a new otter, designated as Natural Monument No. 330 and classified as a Category I endangered wild animal. This otter was discovered in November last year while still nursing along the riverside in Gunbuk-myeon, Haman County, South Gyeongsang Province, and was subsequently rescued and cared for by the Gyeongnam Wildlife Center.

The general principle for wild animal rescue is to return the animal to nature once it regains its ability to survive independently. However, in this case, the otter was hand-raised by a wildlife rehabilitation manager, making a return to the wild difficult. As a result, Uchi Zoo obtained approval for admission last month after the Cultural Heritage Administration reviewed the animal’s living environment.

This new otter will now live with “Dalsuni,” an otter already residing at the zoo. Dalsuni was rescued in the summer of 2021 at about three months old from Jangdeung Reservoir, but could not return to the wild and was admitted to Uchi Zoo in 2024.

After an adaptation period for both animals, the zoo plans to introduce them to visitors later this month. In addition, following the demolition of the old, outdated monkey enclosure, an otter habitat resembling their natural environment will be created, and both otters will be moved there together in the fall.

Seong Changmin, Director of Uchi Park Management Office, said, "We hope the two otters, each rescued from Yeongnam and Honam, can become steadfast friends to one another," adding, "We will continue our efforts to conserve and protect endangered wild animals."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.