After spending half term being spotted at Dudley Zoo, seven colourful otters have hit the road and are headed out to different locations around the Dudley borough.

Until mid-May the sculptures will be visible at Himley Hall and Park, Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre, the Red House Glass Cone, The Village Hotel, Dudley Library, Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust and Dudley Archives. An eighth will remain at the zoo.

Each Asian short-clawed otter sculpture has been designed and decorated by a local community art group, who have been inspired by a variety of themes, including the zoo, the natural world, the Black Country and pop culture. Head of Education and Conservation, Jack Williams, said:

“During half term our art trail proved to be a hit with visitors young and old alike.
 
“We are excited that more people will now have the opportunity to spot our wonderfully decorated otters at venues throughout the borough.

”The trail will help us raise awareness about the threats both native and non-native otters are facing in the wild.”

The otters will return to the zoo in time for the summer holidays and, at the end of the season, will be auctioned off in aid of two otter charities – The UK Wild Otter Trust and The Himalayan Otter Network.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Andrea Goddard, officially launched the ‘Spotter Otter’ campaign. She said:

“I hope the trail gets people talking about the issues these wonderful animals face and that the statues raise a huge amount for the otter charities when they are auctioned later this year. 

“I’m delighted we are able to host otters in a number of local council venues, including Himley Hall and Park, the Red House Glass Cone and Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre.”

If you find one of the otters when out on your travels, snap a picture with them and tag the Zoo on social media, using #DZCSpotterOtter 

You can find out more about the project online at dudleyzoo.org.uk.