World Otter Day 2025

World Otter Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May each year. In 2025, it will fall on May 28. This special day highlights the importance of otters, their habitats, and the threats they face. Otters are playful, curious creatures found in wetlands and coastal areas around the world. However, many otter species are in danger due to habitat destruction, loss of food sources, and illegal hunting.

The importance of otters

There are 13 species of otters, and 12 of them are experiencing significant population declines. Seven otter species are classified as vulnerable, and five are considered endangered. Otters play an essential role in their ecosystems. For example, sea otters help regulate sea urchin populations, which in turn protects kelp forests and the biodiversity within them.

Despite their importance, otters are threatened by human activities. Habitat destruction, roadkill, and illegal trade for fur and as pets have all contributed to their declining numbers. On World Otter Day, we take the opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and take steps to protect otters.

Please also read: The impact of the otter on the fish population

The history of World Otter Day

World Otter Day has its roots in a week of fun and education called Otterly Mad Week. Over time, this event evolved into International Otter Awareness Day, and eventually into World Otter Day. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) founded the day to achieve two main goals: to raise awareness of the dangers otters face and to educate people on how to protect otters and their habitats.

The IOSF, founded in 1993, has been a leader in otter conservation. The organization has conducted research, supported protection efforts, and provided training in otter conservation techniques in over 40 countries. Their work is critical to the survival of otters, especially in regions where populations are rapidly declining.

The fascinating sea otter

The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family and the smallest marine mammal. About 90% of the world’s sea otters live in coastal Alaska. These otters have faced near extinction due to hunting for their valuable fur, but their numbers have slowly rebounded since the fur trade ended.

However, sea otter populations in certain parts of Alaska have been declining in recent years. In southwestern Alaska, sea otter numbers have decreased by as much as 67% since the mid-1980s. In 2005, a specific group of sea otters in this region was listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Sea otters are well adapted to life in the cold waters of the Pacific. They rely on their dense fur for insulation, as they lack the blubber that other marine mammals use to stay warm. These otters are skilled hunters and eat a variety of invertebrates, including clams, sea urchins, and crabs. They even use tools, such as rocks, to break open shells.

Fun facts about otters

1. Otters have amazing diving abilities. Sea otters can hold their breath for up to five minutes, while river otters can hold theirs for even longer.
2. They use tools. Otters are one of the few animals that use tools. They carry rocks to crack open shellfish.
3. Otters are warm despite the cold. Their thick, water-resistant fur keeps them warm in icy waters.
4. A group of otters is called a “raft.” Otters love to rest together in groups, often floating in the water wrapped in seaweed to stay connected.
5. Otters are keystone species. Sea otters help maintain balance in their ecosystems by controlling the population of sea urchins, which helps preserve kelp forests.

Why World Otter Day matters

World Otter Day is important for several reasons:

1. Otters are irresistibly cute. Their playful behavior and adorable appearance make them favorites among wildlife enthusiasts.
2. Conservation is key. The day helps to promote conservation efforts and educate the public about the threats otters face.
3. A global cause. Otters are found all over the world and are celebrated in more than 20 countries, making World Otter Day a truly international event.

Conclusion

On May 28, 2025, join the celebration of World Otter Day. Take a moment to appreciate these playful creatures, learn about their importance to the environment, and recognize the challenges they face. With your help, we can protect otters and ensure that they remain a part of our world for generations to come.