Three otters create stir at People’s Park Centre, removed safely by NParks

SINGAPORE: Three wet otters were spotted entering and wandering around People’s Park Centre in Chinatown, causing quite a commotion at around 4 pm on Monday (20 May).

TikTok user @kekjoonkee captured the surprise visit of these four-legged creatures in a video that quickly gained attention online.

Since its upload, the video has garnered more than 70,000 views on TikTok.

@kekjoonkee

今天牛车水有3只水獭到珍珠大厦庆祝520🎉🎊 At least 3 otters window shopping in Chinatown today. my

♬ original sound – Kek Joon-Kee – Kek Joon-Kee

In the video, the otters can be seen exploring the mall together, stopping by various shops, including an Erawan shrine shop and a travel agency.

An employee of the shrine shop told Shin Min Daily News that he had been away when the otters entered the store.

Upon returning, he found the store wet with many animal paw prints, leaving him confused.

The otters locked in a travel agency office

A Shin Min Daily News reporter who rushed to the scene found the otters inside the travel agency office.

An agency staff member reported that customers present at the time ran out when the otters wandered in.

After the otters entered an office room, a member of the public closed the door, preventing them from wandering further.

Once contained, the otters began defecating and urinating, further complicating the situation, with documents strewn about and stained with excrement.

Police officers and mall management staff soon arrived at the scene.

A store assistant from a nearby shop said he initially thought a fight or dispute had occurred.

The appearance of the otters attracted a large number of people who attempted to take photos of them.

The situation persisted for about two hours before personnel from the National Parks Board (NParks) arrived.

NParks relocates the otters

When personnel from the National Parks Board (NParks) arrived, they requested the travel agency staff to clear out to facilitate the removal of the otters.

It took approximately 30 minutes for the NParks officers to capture and remove the animals.

Speaking to MS News, NParks confirmed that their officers, along with building management staff, safely relocated the three otters to a nearby waterway.

NParks emphasized that their method for managing otters integrates both scientific approaches and community involvement.

NParks, in collaboration with the Otter Working Group and otter watchers, consistently monitors the otter population to gain insights into their numbers, distribution, and movement.

They also take proactive measures to prevent or resolve conflicts whenever possible.

NParks advised the public to maintain a safe distance from otters and to refrain from feeding, touching, chasing, cornering, or approaching them.

They assured that otters typically do not attack humans unless they feel threatened.

For assistance related to otter sightings, the public can contact NParks or call the Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600.