Some of the butterflies had more visible beautiful colours as well as markings ... this is a Papilio Rumanzovia (yes really!). It is also known as a Scarlet Mormon and is primarily found in Indonesia.
And here is a black and white version below! This one is called an Idea Leucanoe (wonder where they get the names from?!) or a Rice Paper Butterfly, and comes from South East Asia.
After that, it was time to see the otters, so we made our way outside. The ones below are Asian short-clawed otters, the smallest and most playful species - don't they look almost cute! Apparently they are often deployed by fishermen in Southeast Asia to drive shoals of fish into their nets - and of course eating as many as they catch themselves, so everyone benefits!
They also have Canadian otters, who apparently like to show off at feeding time ... for example, the ones below are doing a good meercat impression ...
The sanctuary also have facilities to treat any sick or injured otters who may be brought into them (as indeed some are). Otter numbers are now on the increase, due to successful conservation efforts. However, sadly they are also often the victims of our roads. Although efforts are being made to build underpasses, otters are not always happy to enter dark holes where they can't see any exit (who can blame them!). In addition, they are now less nocturnal than they used to be.
As well as butterflies and otters, there are also resident terrapins, namely the one below which is known as the "Red Ear" variety.
And here is a black and white version below! This one is called an Idea Leucanoe (wonder where they get the names from?!) or a Rice Paper Butterfly, and comes from South East Asia.
After that, it was time to see the otters, so we made our way outside. The ones below are Asian short-clawed otters, the smallest and most playful species - don't they look almost cute! Apparently they are often deployed by fishermen in Southeast Asia to drive shoals of fish into their nets - and of course eating as many as they catch themselves, so everyone benefits!
They also have Canadian otters, who apparently like to show off at feeding time ... for example, the ones below are doing a good meercat impression ...
The sanctuary also have facilities to treat any sick or injured otters who may be brought into them (as indeed some are). Otter numbers are now on the increase, due to successful conservation efforts. However, sadly they are also often the victims of our roads. Although efforts are being made to build underpasses, otters are not always happy to enter dark holes where they can't see any exit (who can blame them!). In addition, they are now less nocturnal than they used to be.
As well as butterflies and otters, there are also resident terrapins, namely the one below which is known as the "Red Ear" variety.
These are the most popular reptiles in the world - however, a lot of them are now living wild in this country due to them being released by people who no longer wish to care for them or find a suitable home elsewhere, so often end up in sanctuaries such as this. Like tortoises, they can sometimes live up to 50 years. However, unlike tortoises, they can move very fast!!
