Otters are highly active, semi-aquatic mustelids whose captive welfare depends on extensive water access, varied enrichment and appropriate social management.
Otter welfare in zoo settings depends on access to large water features, complex land environments and stable social groups reflecting their family-oriented social structure. Their playfulness — celebrated by zoo visitors — is an indicator of positive welfare when genuine rather than stereotypic. Interactive otter programmes that allow visitor contact compromise welfare through stress and disrupted routines. The rising popularity of otter cafes — particularly in East Asia — creates significant welfare concerns for animals kept in inadequate conditions and forced into stressful public interaction.