Otters are amongst some of the most secretive but incredible animals which live amongst us in Donegal.
And now Donegal’s leading animal experience, Wild Ireland, is about to unveil an incredible otter experience like no other.
Nestled deep within the lush Celtic rainforest at the Burnfoot centre, a new, purpose-built habitat will offer a truly immersive experience for visitors, with expansive underwater viewing windows that reveal the hidden world of otters beneath the surface.
At the heart of this unique exhibit is a reconstructed crannog, an ancient lake dwelling, where guests can observe Ollie and Uisce, Wild Ireland’s resident otters, as they swim, dive, and play in their naturalistic aquatic environment.
Founder of Wild Ireland, Killian McLaughlin, is very excited about the new attraction.
Wild Ireland founder Killian McLaughlin is excited about the new otter experience.
He said “This habitat was designed to provide our otters with a space that truly reflects their natural environment, while also giving visitors an unforgettable, up-close experience with these fascinating creatures.”
“We are proud to open this extraordinary new attraction on World Otter Day, a date that highlights the importance of otter conservation globally.”
Otters (Lutra lutra) in Ireland face a number of threats despite being a protected species. Habitat loss, pollution of waterways, declining fish stocks, and disturbance from human activity have all contributed to pressures on otter populations.
Ollie and Uisce, Wild Ireland’s resident otters, were hand-reared by dedicated wildlife rehabilitators after being found orphaned.
Despite best efforts to prepare them for release, veterinary experts advised that they were unsuitable for reintroduction to the wild due to their lack of fear of humans—a critical survival trait.
As a result, they now live safely at Wild Ireland, where they serve as ambassadors for their species and help raise awareness about otter conservation.
The new exhibit expands Wild Ireland’s growing collection of native species and further cements its role as a leader in wildlife conservation and education.
Visitors to the crannog will enjoy panoramic underwater views, engaging educational signage, and guided tours that explore otter behaviour, ecology, and the vital role otters play in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
The grand opening event will take place on May 28th and includes guided tours and educational talks—perfect for families, nature lovers, and conservation advocates.
All pictures courtesy of Joe Boland of Northwest Newspix.
