Established by the Two Oceans Aquarium in 2018, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation based in Cape Town. The Foundation is dedicated to informing and inspiring all to connect with and protect our ocean and the natural world through conservation, awareness, research, and education.
The Urban Otter Project is an extension of the Foundation's Marine Wildlife Management Programme. The project focuses on monitoring the Cape clawless otters in the V&A Waterfront, as well as creating awareness and adding to the global database on otter behaviours.
Quick facts
Natural history:
- Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) are carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae. Their relatives include badgers, weasels, and wolverines.
- Cape clawless otters are named for their clawless front feet, which are adapted for digging.
- Although they live both in freshwater and along the coast, freshwater is an essential habitat requirement, so they only occur in marine environments where it is available.
- They have brown fur, white chin and chest, small ears, and highly sensitive white whiskers called vibrissae that detect the movements of potential prey.
- Cape clawless otters feed on crabs, fish, frogs, insects, worms, shysharks, and even waterfowl.
Urban Otter Project:
- Cape clawless otters were first observed in the V&A Waterfront precinct in 2018.
- During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when much human activity in the Waterfront shut down, the otters established territories within the canals and waterways of the precinct. The population now comprises a small family.
- The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme, in partnership with the V&A Waterfront, initiated the Urban Otter Project in 2022 to mitigate potential interactions between otters and humans.
- This programme doubles as a research project. Our Wildlife Monitors collect daily data for the scientific study of Cape clawless otters, contributing to the global database.
Urban Otter Project
Context:
Since Cape clawless otters took up residence in the V&A Waterfront, they modified their natural behaviours to suit their environment.
Otters are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Typically, these times are quiet, with few humans around, and encounters are less likely. However, after asserting their territories during the coronavirus pandemic period, these “urban otters” are bolder, coming out in the middle of the day and becoming part of the urban ecosystem, much like pigeons.
Although otters spend much time in saltwater, they need freshwater to survive. Many hotels and residences along the Waterfront have freshwater pools and fountains, and our Wildlife Monitors have observed the otters using these spaces. These freshwater sources seem to be among the areas where the otters are more territorial.
The urbanisation of otters, coupled with their territorial behaviour, can lead to encounters with humans. Although the Urban Otter Project has not yet had any serious altercations to deal with, those living and working along the Waterfront must have a healthy respect and knowledge of these animals and the correct “otter etiquette”. This is where the need for the Urban Otter Project arose.
The Urban Otter Project
The Urban Otter Project focuses on monitoring the otters rather than people. The project employs Wildlife Monitors (or “otter chaperones”), who spend most of the day observing and monitoring the otters’ behaviour, particularly during peak activity times. By anticipating the movements of the Cape clawless otters, our Wildlife Monitors mitigate human-wildlife encounters with minimal stress, as well as educate members of the public about these animals. The monitors also conduct research and gather observations on the growing database around Cape clawless otters.
The Marine Wildlife Management Programme team has other strategies for moderating human-wildlife interaction in the V&A Waterfront. The Urban Otter Project provides floating platforms in the canals, complete with foliage and freshwater pools, to encourage the otters to stay away from swimming pools and fountains. They have also provided signage to educate guests and have briefed residents and retail on correct “otter etiquette”.
The presence of a situated, comfortable family of Cape clawless otters showcases the abundance of species and biodiversity within the Waterfront. The Urban Otter Project has observed the otters feeding on crabs, shysharks, and klipvis within the waterways and canals. Our Wildlife Monitors have also noticed that the otters rely on the vegetation planted by the residents and hotels for shelter. Bushes and shrubs, such as honeysuckle bushes, are ideal places for otters to sit under, have shade, and roll in the sand. The jetties are fantastic areas for them to dig under, creating safe holes or holts. Our team has put up several camera traps at these holts, which allows us to observe their behaviour patterns.
The Cape clawless otters in the Waterfront are a unique part of its marine ecosystem. In the wild, otters are keystone species, meaning other species rely on them and their lifestyle to survive. In the V&A Waterfront, the urban otters play a similar role in the ecosystems of the canals and waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you see an otter, please WhatsApp or email any pictures and details (like time and place) to 076 092 8573 or sightings@aquariumfoundation.org.za. This information makes a valuable contribution towards our research database.
It is important to remember that the Cape clawless otters in the Waterfront are wild animals, and that approaching them purposely is not advised.
- Walk backwards, and don’t stand still. Move away from the otter.
- Use a jersey or raincoat to usher the otter away from your feet – if you stand still, they may investigate your feet.
- If you're swimming, change direction when you near their territory.
- Wear booties when swimming or kayaking.
- Keep moving away from the otter, on foot or on water.
As long as you abide by these “otter etiquette” rules, you shouldn’t have any negative interactions.
The first permanent resident observed and monitored by our Urban Otter Project is a male Cape clawless otter, dubbed Wizard. Over the years, Wizard's social group has expanded to include females and consequent offspring. Currently, our Urban Otter Project is aware of four Cape clawless otters that frequent the V&A Waterfront's waterways, as well as Green Point Park.
Due to the urban lifestyle that these otters lead, their family structures vary to how they would be in other ecosystems. This means that our Urban Otter Project often observes fluctuations in the number of Cape clawless otters in the precinct.
It is important to remember that the Cape clawless otters in the Waterfront are wild animals, and that approaching them purposely is not advised.
Otters are territorial by nature - like any other wild animal, they will defend their territory and social group if they feel it is threatened. This being said, the Cape clawless otters in the V&A Waterfront are not likely to bother you if you don't bother them.
Multimedia
Browse a selection of images and videos from our Urban Otter Project. Find captions below each.
All credits to the Two Oceans Aquarium unless otherwise stated.
Otter Infographics
