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Meet Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato: Baby Otters Make Their Adorable Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Get ready for a triple dose of cuteness! Three baby Asian small-clawed otters—charmingly named Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato—have officially made their public debut at Otter Grotto on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 🦦💙
The news was joyfully shared by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, who introduced the playful pups and offered a peek into their incredible journey so far. Born in December to proud parents Kevin and Mae, these tiny otters spent their early weeks learning the ropes of otter life behind the scenes—completely reliant on mom and dad to teach them essential skills like swimming, exploring, and communicating.
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Now, Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato are ready to charm guests as they splash, paddle, and scamper around their newly expanded world at Otter Grotto. But this isn’t just an adorable encounter—it’s also a fascinating educational opportunity that highlights the species’ remarkable behaviors and the care they receive from Disney’s animal experts.
Otter-ly Amazing Facts About Their Habitat and Care
🐾 Species Spotlight:
Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of all otter species and are native to shallow freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. Despite their tiny size, they have mighty personalities, an acute sense of smell, and a complex way of communicating—often rubbing their scent glands against rocks and trees to leave messages.
🪨 Land Lovers with Aquatic Skills:
While they’re known for being excellent swimmers, these otters actually spend most of their time on land—climbing, playing, and exploring. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recreates a rich natural environment with rocks, logs, and burrows that allow the otters to engage in these natural behaviors.
🍽️ Snack Time Fun:
To keep them engaged and mentally stimulated, Disney’s animal care team offers fun and nutritious enrichment like mussels and clams that the otters can pry open using their nimble paws. On hot days, they even get fish popsicles—a guest favorite to watch!
🦷 Training for Health:
Using positive reinforcement, the otters learn to take part in their own medical care—presenting their paws for inspection, opening their mouths for dental checks, and responding to their keepers’ cues, which helps reduce stress and builds trust.
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🌍 Conservation Commitment:
Sadly, habitat loss and pollution threaten Asian small-clawed otters in the wild. That’s why the Disney Conservation Fund is actively working with organizations across Asia to help protect these charismatic creatures and the ecosystems they call home.
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, visiting Otter Grotto on the Discovery Island Trails is a must-do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Don’t miss your chance to meet Butternut, Biscuit, and Potato—and witness a splash of wild magic that only Disney can deliver!
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