Happy Birthday, Asta! Beloved otter turns 16 at Fort Fisher aquarium

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is celebrating the 16th birthday of Asta, a beloved Asian small-clawed otter.

Asta has been with the aquarium since Feb. 2020.

She has many interests, including juggling pebbles and caring for her son, Ray.

While the average lifespan of Asian small-clawed otters in professional care is around 12 years, some thrive well beyond 20.

The aquarium invites the community to participate in her Sweet 16 celebration in person at the "Otters on the Edge" exhibit or virtually through a live Facebook stream.