Japan’s continued obsession with otters has left wildlife experts concerned about the future of the species. IUCN Otter Specialist Group. Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.

Social media users are fueling a burgeoning appetite in Japan for acquiring wild otters and other endangered animals as pets, conservationists say, warning 25/05/2019.

Our new documentary exposes the illegal trade of wild Asian otters, a growing industry fuelled by the rise of the “otter craze” in Indonesia and Japan: Because of these cafes and images of pet otters on social media, wild otters are being hunted and trafficked out of existence to … 29/05/2019. Just because a wild animal is cute, it does not mean you should take it home with you. Kyodo News. Cruel pet otter craze fuelled by Japanese otter cafes and social media. How to Care for Otters as Pets.

Several “otter cafes” have also popped up in the … The main destination is Japan, where one otter pup can fetch up to ¥1 million (about $10,000). Cruel pet otter craze fuelled by Japanese otter cafes and social media. Poached to the brink of extinction Because of these cafes and images of pet otters on social media, wild otters are being hunted and trafficked out of existence to satisfy growing international demand. — Ken's Exotics. "Aonyx cinerea, Oriental small-clawed otter". "The pet trade is a serious threat to the conservation of otter species and it is demand from customers in Japan that are a significant part of the problem," she said. Wild otters are being poached from their natural habitat, confined in terrible conditions and irresponsibly bred to feed international demand.

An otter being held by the neck in a cafe in Tokyo, Japan.

Wild otters are being poached from their natural habitat, confined in terrible conditions and irresponsibly bred to feed international demand .

2019. Poached to the brink of extinction Because of these cafes and images of pet otters on social media, wild otters are being hunted and trafficked out of existence to satisfy growing international demand. Japan's Hirakawa Zoo is home to two Asian small-clawed otters, both boys, born on March 2 this year People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and elsewhere can pay thousands of dollars to own one. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling it. "Asian small-clawed otter". An otter being held by the neck in a cafe in Tokyo, Japan. Animal Diversity Web. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets.