An outgoing otter from Gainesville is about to make a big move down under. The reason: it's time for her to start a family.
Asia Otter was born at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo 2 and a half years ago.
She is an Asian Small Clawed Otter, which is a vulnerable species considered particularly valuable in Australia, where they don't have any otters like her.
So she's heading there. Asia is a curious animal, who enjoys interaction. Staff and students at the teaching zoo, say this move is bittersweet.
Jonathan Miot said, "It's a little sad, but it's also an exciting time because we know that she's going to be paired up with a male in order to breed, so she's about to make her own family."
Zoos often share animals to maintain a complete captive population of animals. In case a species ever needs to be replenished.
Asia Otter will be transported to Australia next Tuesday.