v THE HERALD - INDEPENDENT AND PROUD OF IT v 20th November 2025 • The HERALD • Page 61 ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH 7 days a week 8am-8pm 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Forestsidegrooming.co.uk The World’s Largest Giant Otter Collection At New Forest Wildlife Park quite unique when they see the large giant otter family. It’s conservation in action, and it’s happening right here in Hampshire,” said Jason Palmer, Curator of Collections at New Forest Wildlife Park. New Forest Wildlife Park is playing a signi cant role in giant otter conservation, as it now cares for the largest collection of these critically endangered South American mammals on the planet. is update follows the birth of three healthy cubs on 2nd August to parents Ibera and Simuni, one female and two males, who received their health check clearance on 1st October. ese latest arrivals bring the park’s giant otter population to over half of the UK’s entire captive population of 21, and mark another milestone in the ght to save a species teetering on the brink in the wild. Giant otters are native to the Amazon basin and face increasing threats from habitat destruction, illegal hunting, overharvesting of sh and pollution. With wild populations declining, successful breeding programmes like the one at New Forest Wildlife Park represent a crucial lifeline for the species’ survival and genetic diversity. As Simuni’s mother and sister also reside at the wildlife park, the park’s breeding programme has now produced multiple generations, demonstrating the type of long-term success that conservationists aim for when working with endangered species. At the age of 15, Simuni is the oldest giant otter in Europe to become a dad again. Among the three new arrivals, keepers have been particularly charmed by one of the male cubs, who has already earned the nickname “mini Simuni.” e youngster has a distinctive large throat patch remarkably similar to his father’s, which is a unique identifying feature and strong family resemblance. “It’s fascinating to watch Simuni bring out this little one who looks just like him,” says keeper Elizabeth McNamara. “The throat patches on giant otters are like fingerprints where they are completely unique to each individual, so seeing such a strong resemblance between father and son is quite special.” Visitors to the park can see the extraordinary sight of a giant otter family in action. e three cubs are being taught how to swim and how to play by their older siblings: Karanambu (born January 2023), brother Guapo (December 2023), and sister Ari Rana (summer 2024). worldwide, New Forest Wildlife Park o cially holds the largest collection of giant otters in the world, which is a proud achievement for the family-owned park. This highlights the Hampshire wildlife park as not only a visitor attraction but also an important home for one of South America’s most charismatic and threatened species, playing a vital role in global conservation e orts to ensure giant otters have a future. “To hold the world’s largest collection of giant otters is both an honour and a responsibility that we take seriously. They are disappearing from their native Amazon habitat at an alarming rate, and what we’re achieving here in the New Forest all aids the species’ future. Watching the new cubs learning to swim alongside their siblings isn’t just a nice thing to see; it’s a testament to what dedicated conservation can achieve. Visitors are witnessing something Proud parents (Credit: Graeme Pickett) Southampton & District Beekeepers Association are running an Introduction to Beekeeping Course, starting on Wednesday 18th February at 7.30pm. e course includes 6 theory sessions conducted via zoom, hands on training at the Association Apiary and support from a bee buddy during your rst year of beekeeping. For further information visit: www. southamptonbeekeepers.co.uk/beginners-courses Introduction to Beekeeping Course e cubs are most active and visible during the day, particularly a er feeding times, when the adult otters bring them out to explore and play. As con rmed by the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the international database that tracks zoo animal populations New Forest Militaria Fair e next New Forest Militaria Fair will be on Wednesday 3rd December from 7pm to 9.30pm in the Colbury Church Rooms, Deerleap Lane, Colbury (near Ashurst) SO40 7EH. ere are stalls o ering a variety of militaria items, and these events are an ideal venue for dealers, collectors and enthusiasts to get together to buy, sell, swap, exhibit and talk about all aspects of militaria. All are welcome and admission is £1. e fairs are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month. Anyone who would like to pre-book a table at £8, should call Dave Curtis on: 07903 600865 or: 023 8178 1324. LIONS BOOKSTALL Romsey Lions hold their regular book stalls in e Cornmarket, Romsey. eir next book sales will be on Saturday 6th December from 9am to 3pm. ey welcome donations of good quality paperbacks for the stall and also gi s for their bric-a-brac section. Donations can be taken along to the stall on the day of the sales or alternatively you can call: 0344 963 2463 to arrange for a collection to be made. Lions are both men and women, and there are no age restrictions to membership other than you must be over 18. ey are approachable people from many walks of life, and they enjoy an active social life. A few hours a month are all it takes to help others less fortunate in the community. If you would like to learn more about being a Lion and make new friends then get in touch with them on: secretary@romseylions.co.uk or contact them on their direct club telephone number: 0344 963 2463. e Lions have a motto ‘Ordinary People Doing Amazing ings’. And they do year a er year.
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