ONE OF the UK’s oldest captive otters has passed away at Weymouth Sea Life Centre.

Staff at the centre said they were sad to announced the passing of Johnny the Asian short-clawed otter last week.

Johnny had reached the maximum expected life-span for his species, reaching his 16th birthday in June, but staff said that lately he had grown increasingly listless and infirm and finally passed away on Wednesday morning.

General Manager Tamsin Mutton-McKnight said: “We were all deeply saddened by the loss of a much-loved resident.

“Johnny was like a member of the family and will be sorely missed, but we can console ourselves with the knowledge he died peacefully and without suffering.”

A favourite resident of the park since 2001, Johnny – who was born at a Norfolk wildlife centre - fathered five litters of cubs, three with his first partner Mo and two with his second mate Lilly.

In 2012 Lilly and two of her daughters, Pickle and Cub, moved to the Sea Life centre in Loch Lomond, to prevent further breeding.

Remaining Weymouth otters Little John, Badger, Cheddar and Branston were all thought to be males, but Branston turned out to be female and has now become the dominant member of the group.

Mrs Mutton-McKnight said: “We will keep them under close observation for a little while to make sure none of them suffer any anxiety over Johnny’s absence.

“They are very resilient animals however, and will probably get over his loss much more quickly than will our animal care team, who are understandably very upset.”

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