Amid the urban skyline and bustling streets of Singapore, a family of sleek, playful creatures often steals the spotlight — the Smooth-coated Otters. Graceful in the water and charming on land, these otters have become a beloved symbol of Singapore’s thriving coexistence between nature and city life.

The Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is one of the two otter species found in Singapore and the largest otter species in Southeast Asia. True to their name, these otters have shorter, smoother fur compared to other species, giving them a glossy appearance as they glide effortlessly through the water.

You’ll often find them in mangroves, mudflats, and coastal areas, where they forage for clams, gourami, catfish, and other small aquatic creatures. 

Amid the urban skyline and bustling streets of Singapore, a family of sleek, playful creatures often steals the spotlight — the Smooth-coated Otters. Graceful in the water and charming on land, these otters have become a beloved symbol of Singapore’s thriving coexistence between nature and city life.

The Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is one of the two otter species found in Singapore and the largest otter species in Southeast Asia. True to their name, these otters have shorter, smoother fur compared to other species, giving them a glossy appearance as they glide effortlessly through the water.

You’ll often find them in mangroves, mudflats, and coastal areas, where they forage for clams, gourami, catfish, and other small aquatic creatures. 

Smooth-coated Otters are known for their close-knit family structures. They live either in pairs or family groups, working together to hunt, play, and protect one another. Babies are born in a litter of up to five — are nurtured with care in dens along riverbanks and stay with their parents until they’re ready to venture out on their own.

It’s this sense of togetherness that makes them so captivating to watch — whether they’re splashing through the water, grooming one another, or rolling around playfully in the sun.

Smooth-coated Otters are known for their close-knit family structures. They live either in pairs or family groups, working together to hunt, play, and protect one another. Babies are born in a litter of up to five — are nurtured with care in dens along riverbanks and stay with their parents until they’re ready to venture out on their own.

It’s this sense of togetherness that makes them so captivating to watch — whether they’re splashing through the water, grooming one another, or rolling around playfully in the sun.

Among Singapore’s many otter families, none are more famous than the Bishan Otters. Once sighted around Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, this family gained nationwide affection and even global recognition when they were featured on a Google Doodle, representing Singapore with pride and playfulness. Their story reflects the city’s successful efforts in environmental conservation and the unique harmony between wildlife and urban spaces.