Visit the 'Romeo' and 'Juliet' otters touching keepers' hearts

Head to the Oceanarium in Bournemouth this Autumn to see the pair of Oriental small clawed otters, who have been nicknamed Romeo and Juliet thanks to having fallen for each other in a big way - perhaps due to a brand new balcony rapidly becoming as renowned as its counterpart in Verona!

The new balcony feature, the last part of a £150,000 home for the otters, extends out on to the West Beach promenade in Bournemouth, where passers-by can catch glimpses of the loved up couple, when they are stepping out to take in the sea air.

Otter Oasis offers the pair lush bamboo, rock-pools and even a waterfall, giving visitors lots of opportunities to see them at play, demonstrating the rapport that has amazed keepers and made them confident of the possibility of hearing the patter of tiny paws in the not-too-distant future!

The two otters have only just been brought together, but are already star attractions, particularly at otter feeding times, taking place at 10.30am and 1pm.  At other times, visitors may see them swimming, playing and curling up together for a light snooze.

Other creatures at Oceanarium include Giant Green Sea Turtles, Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks, a Nurse Shark, Stingrays, Clownfish, Giant Moray Eels and an impressive North Pacific Giant Octopus.  The award-winning attraction takes visitors on a global journey around the waters of the world, which include the Amazon, Abyss, Key West, Great Barrier Reef and the world’s first virtual interactive Dive Cage.  Accompanied by a fun yet educational talk, feeding presentations help bring the water alive.

Standard admission is £9.25 for an adult and £6.60 for a child (3-15 years). Discounted family tickets and concessions are also available. For great savings, tickets can be bought in advance up to 25 per cent less online at oceanarium.co.uk.