Otter-ly adorable new Zoo animals

Published on 17 April 2019

Rocky Zoo has welcomed two cheeky new Asiatic small-clawed otters named Tomio and Misumi.

Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Chair of Council’s Parks Committee, said the new additions are very cute and great fun to watch.

“Tomio and Misumi are siblings who have come to us from Dubbo Zoo,” said Cr Rutherford.

“Tomio is just over a year old and has the sweetest little pink nose. Tomio’s sister Misumi is three and a half, and I believe she’s quite happy to boss her little brother around.

“They are both so fast and very playful. A lot of visitors to the Zoo are going to find themselves spending more time than they intended peering into the otter enclosure!

“For the time being we’ll be keeping Tomio and Misumi separate from our older otters, Soa and Houdini, who are both 17 years old. 

“The keepers will see how well they respond to each other from their neighbouring enclosures and may decide later to introduce them. However, otters can be very territorial, and we definitely don’t want to see them get into a scrap.

“I think Tomio and Misumi are going to be very well-loved by visitors to the Zoo, and I can’t wait to see what antics these two siblings get up to!”

Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council. It is open daily from 8am until 4.30pm and is free to visit. Head over to the Rocky Zoo Facebook page to find out more.