What has happened to the otters at Edinburgh Zoo?

They were otterly awesome, according to the bus, and now Edinburgh Zoo visitors will have to deal without some of the cuter residents at the attraction for a while.

The Asian short-clawed otters, who were chosen by the public to be the face of the Zoo-sponsored Lothian bus in 2017, disappeared from their enclosure in recent days with questions about their well-being.

Sadly, the Evening News can confirm that the otters had to be put down by vets after developing health issues.

The zoo plans to use the opportunity to do more work to the otter enclosure with a view to bring in new otters in the future.

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at Edinburgh Zoo said, “Sadly our two Asian short-clawed otters had been experiencing health issues relating to their age and our veterinary team advised they should be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

“The otters have always been very popular with our staff and visitors and we know they will be missed.

“We hope to bring new otters to the zoo in the future and in the meantime will be doing some work on the enclosure.”