A family of smooth-coated otters reside in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Today marks World Otter Day. This special day aims to raise awareness about otters and their protection.
While important to our ecosystems, these adorable, mischievous and graceful wild animals now face threats like habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trading.
Let's seize the occasion to spread awareness of helping preserve and protect our precious and furry friends!
Young smooth-coated otter pups of Bishan family swim in the river in Singapore's inland waters on Nov 12, 2019. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
Two girls play at the otter-themed escapade Otah & Friends at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, Dec. 14, 2020. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
An otter dives into the water to cool off at the Shanghai Zoo in east China's Shanghai, July 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
Smooth-coated otters play with balloons in Kallang River in Singapore, April 8, 2021. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Two Asian small-clawed otters swim in a pond at Hangzhou Zoo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Chuanhao)
A wild smooth-coated otter sniffs around on Jiak Kim Bridge along Singapore River in Singapore, Jan. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
A pack of wild smooth-coated otters, nicknamed the "Zouk family," crosses Penang Road in Singapore on March 3, 2021, World Wildlife Day. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)■