THESE cute creatures are set to become the star attractions in a new mammal display at Bournemouth Oceanarium.

In preparation for the arrival of two oriental small clawed otters in May, a luxurious enclosure is being built at the seafront attraction to mimic their natural habitat.

Complete with oriental shrubs, the lush bamboo forest will house small waterfalls and streams as well as south facing floor to ceiling windows providing natural daylight and a sea breeze for the semi-aquatic animals to bask it.

Normally found in Indonesia, southern China, southern Indian, south-east Asia and the Philippines, the otters will have pride of place in a stunning custom built £150,000 Otter Oasis.

Oriental small clawed otters are the smallest of the world’s 13 species and known for their agile, hand like front paws with short claws to help them catch and feed.

Like all otters, they are lively and mischievous and can often be spotted playing chase or tug-o’-war with each other.

Oliver Buttling, the oceanarium’s group curator, said: “The enclosure will reflect the otters’ requirements in the wild.

“As they are clever and inquisitive mammals we will be providing them with a variety of objects, tasks and play items as part of an ongoing environment enrichment programme.”

James Eels, UK Director at Parques Reunidos, which incorporates the Oceanarium, said: “We are incredibly proud to be introducing our first mammal residents.

“We continually strive to enhance the Oceanarium experience and the otter enclosure is an exciting addition to the aquarium.”