The water dogs
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Singapore’s smooth-coated otters wake at the crack of dawn. They start their day like we would.
VIDEO: NICK SOO
There’s a fishy, musky smell in the air... it’s their spraint, more commonly known as dung.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
It’s time for the rub. They look adorable but that’s not the point.
VIDEO: JEFFERY TEO
They are grooming - cleaning and waterproofing their fur for their next swim.
ST VIDEO: AILEEN TEO
Then it’s off to fish! Otters can hold their breath for up to eight minutes underwater.
ST VIDEO: AILEEN TEO
They go to a shallow area or on shore so they won’t have to eat while treading water.
ST VIDEO: AILEEN TEO
They’re not fussy eaters and can eat all kinds of fish. This one’s got a catfish.
ST VIDEO: AILEEN TEO
Living deep in the city means they need to get used to man-made structures.
VIDEO: BERNARD SEAH
And lots of attention.
PHOTO: JEFFERY TEO
Otter fever in Singapore began in 2015, when pups were born in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
PHOTO: JEFFERY TEO
Bernard Seah, wildlife photographer
Why did the otters return?As development at Singapore’s coasts slowed, cleaner waters and abundant fish lured them back.
PHOTO: BRANDON CHIA
You can get a ring-side view of the Singapore otters, but they are still wild.
PHOTO: JEFFERY TEO
Curious onlookers may interrupt their grooming. If they keep looking over, it may mean you’re in their way.
ST PHOTO: AILEEN TEO
The otters also need dens that are free from human disturbance to rest in, breed and raise pups.
VIDEO: NICK SOO
So watch from a distance!
ST VIDEO: ASHLEIGH SIM
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Special thanks to N. Sivasothi senior biological sciences lecturer at the National University
of Singapore; Jeffery Teo, Nick Soo, Bernard Seah.
Produced by: Aileen
Teo, Ashleigh Sim, Chew Hui Min, Winnie Chong, Kao Chih Hui