WATCH: Islanders "heartbroken" as beloved otters put to sleep after health issues

Thursday 09 February 2023

Jersey Zoo's inseparable otter duo have sadly had to be put to sleep after a period of rapidly deteriorating health.

Bulan and Bintang, a pair of Asian-small clawed otters, were 16 and 17.

The pair, often seen playing together, spent most of their lives at Jersey Zoo, with Bintang arriving first in 2006, from Newquay Zoo and Bulan joining her in 2007 from Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.

In the wild, the species would usually have a lifespan of 11 to 16 years.

Video: The iconic otter duo playing at Jersey Zoo.

Dom Wormell, Curator of Mammals, said: “Over recent months we have been closely monitoring both otters due to kidney problems.

"During a recent veterinary check, it became apparent that their health was deteriorating rapidly, and the prognosis was poor.

"The welfare of our animals is always our priority, so we took the difficult decision to put them both to sleep. They will be hugely missed by staff, visitors and volunteers.”

More than 1,000 islanders and Zoo visitors have since shared their sadness at the news on social media.

"Heartbroken. They were always my favourite to visit at the zoo. So playful and cheeky," Emily Hamilton commented.

"That's so sad, we spent hours watching their endearing antics!!" said Nita Todd.

"Poor little things. They were our favorites at the zoo," added Grace Bevan. "We sponsored Bintang several times and our son fed them in his zoo experience gift.

"They were a lovely pair. My heart goes out to their keepers who must be so devastated."