Chester Zoo Strange otter behaviour!

[Maisie]

While I was at the zoo yesterday afternoon 2 of the otters were out in their enclosure with the babirusa. They were both near the barrier at the edge of the enclosure, mewling. One of them was carrying a rock around. It would occasionally move the rock from under its body to onto its paw, stuck out at the side (I did wonder if it was going to heft the rock at someone or something!) and would sometimes almost drop the rock, only to catch it again and tuck its back under its body. There was no way it was going to let the rock go, and it was holding it for at least 15 minutes. Any ideas what it was doing?

Photos: (sorry, they're rather dark!)

 

[torie]

otters often grab rocks to help them dive as well as to break open hard food. this one had probably just found a really good one it didn't want to let go of but had no use for at the present time!
t cold also have just been playing with the rock.

 

[gallenwolf]

Can't help about the behavior aspect, but they are interesting behavioral shot

Alvin