Everyone is invited to vote on their favorite names for the 2025 Asian small-clawed otter pups! They're growing up so fast and thanks to the otter team, the community has been able to see their milestones and special moments through their amazing photos and videos. They’ve already started to develop their own personalities and physically, they also have some differences. Hopefully, this information will help the community decide on which names to choose for these three otterly amazing pups. The pups were born in December at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
They are all males and they share very special genetics. Here are some things that make them one-of-a-kind and promising additions to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® program.
- Their grandparents, Si and Fun, are from Hong Kong and so is their mom, Milli.
- The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confiscated Si and Fun in 2018 and sent them to Ocean Park Hong Kong under the professional care of animal experts there.
- Milli was born at Ocean Park in Hong Kong in 2018 and arrived at NCAFF in Jan. 2024. Binx arrived at the Aquarium in the fall 2024 as her mate, also from an AZA facility.
- The pups were born during a full moon on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
Unique Characteristics
Otter #1 – Smallest and quietest. Usually has a grumpy face
Otter #2 – Chunky. Quickest to develop. Loudest. Most agile. Hard to photograph because on the move.
Otter #3 – Longest. Sweet. Freckles on his nose.
Name Options
Option #1
Koshi (river in Nepal/China)
Bheri (river in Nepal)
Seti (river in Nepal)
Option #2
Bo (Cantonese for wave)
Eddy (small whirlpool where otters swim)
Reed (marsh plants where otters live)
Option #3
Nyx (shortened form of Aonyx - genus of ASCOs)
Baloo (bear in Hindi, a large mammal)
Bodhi (a fig tree native to India and Southeast Asia, regarded as sacred by Buddhists)
Pick your favorite names at Vote to Name the Otter Pups or visit the Aquarium to vote in person. Online tickets are required to visit the Aquarium at NCAFF Tickets. The voting deadline is Thursday, Feb. 19 at noon.
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About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina — its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.