Every year on the last Wednesday of May, the world rallies together to celebrate the most beloved and unique mammal – the Otter. The day is set out just to celebrate otters and raise awareness about their habits, behaviours, and threats they face.
The global celebration is also to learn, share, and contribute to the conservation of otters, a species that brings joy to many and plays a crucial role in our ecosystem.
Chronicle of Global Otter Appreciation Day
World Otter Day was founded in 2009 with the inception of Otterly Mad Week – which is a 7-day event that also focuses on Otters. The initiative was a first of its kind to share information about the importance otters play in our ecosystem.
The event soon evolved into International Otter Awareness Day in 2014, to broaden its reach and impact. The awareness campaign was taken a step further in 2016 when it transformed into the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) World Otter Day. This day, as we know and love it today, is a global celebration and a call to action to protect and conserve otters around the world.
Just a reminder that it’s world otter day on the 31st of May!
Keep your eyes peeled for information about the exciting projects happening 😊 pic.twitter.com/KjCjEFkFkb
— UK Wild Otter Trust (@WildOtterTrust) May 18, 2023
How should you celebrate otters?
Educating yourself is the first step. There are various resources available online, in libraries, and in zoos/aquariums that provide in-depth information about otters. Sharing this knowledge with others, especially young children, will help foster a love and respect for these creatures and the environment.
Spread the word on your social media platforms to will help raise awareness. Share facts about otters, their importance, and what can be done to protect them. The more people know about otters and the challenges they face, the more support there will be for their conservation.
Sadly, otters’ existence is threatened by the destruction of their habitats, dwindling prey, road accidents, and the illicit trade in their fur and as pets. Among the 13 distinct otter species, a staggering 12 are vanishing before our eyes. Of these, seven are classified as vulnerable, while five teeter on the brink of extinction, marked as endangered.
READ MORE: Tips for Driving & Arriving Safely in Winter
