Dear Kid,
Did I mention we went to the Newport Aquarium? (I did, it was just a way to get you to click on yesterday’s blog if you’ve forgotten.)
One of my favorite parts was seeing the Asian Small Clawed Otter.
Just so we’re clear, there is nothing about this small otter that would make it a good choice for a house pet. Nothing. They aren’t social, they mark their territory in a very odor-ful way, they are rather vicious, and they can bite through a steel-toed boot.
On the other hand, they pack a LOT of cute into their little bodies.
I tried to have a conversation with Nita (the 6 year old Asian Small Clawed Otter on display) before the education talk.
Me: Hi
Nita: Can’t talk now. Too excited. I have to run around because it’s almost time for the humans! Did you know that visitors come to watch the humans? Visitors sometimes watch me during the day, but when I bring out the humans, they all sit down and pay attention.
Gotta swim.
I’m back. Look at all the visitors! They really like my humans. Come on, humans! What are you waiting for?
Hiding. Bet you can’t find me. Just kidding. I’m right here in the log.
Gotta swim.
The humans never come through the water, but I thought I’d check.
Hey humans! I’m on top of the steps looking for you.
Gotta swim.
Where are you! I’m ready, ready, ready!
There you are. What took you so long? Silly humans.
And with that, Nita the Asian Small Clawed Otter, put her humans through their paces. Mostly, she touched a stick. She had taught them that when she touched the stick they should feed her. Nita’s humans were very well trained.
Asian Small Clawed Otters are related to weasels (Not responsible for that branch of the family!), and they are the smallest otters in the world (Hey! A little sensitivity please!).
The Aquarium has another Asian Small Clawed Otter, a 4 year old male named Porkchop. Porkchop and Nita have not yet established that they want to be on the same planet, much less in the same display area so the Aquarium only has one out at a time. Apparently, the Aquarium did not consult an online dating site before pairing them up. Nor did they read any of my blogs on relationships (like this one, or this one, or this one).
Silly humans.
Love, Mom
Remember to share DearKidLoveMom here and on Dear Kid Love Mom Facebook. Don’t keep all the love to yourself! (Otters don’t share; let the humans do it.)
Recent Comments