Asian small-clawed otters explore their new enclosure
- 26 May 2025
Asian small-clawed otters can now be admired on the Rock in ARTIS. A group of nine curious otters have taken up residence in the renovated enclosure.
The transformation of the Monkey Rock
The former abode of the Japanese macaques, better known as the Monkey Rock, has been completely transformed into a green island. Among trees, grasses and shrubs, the rock now forms a natural part of the landscape. The surrounding water is also part of the enclosure and has been enriched with boulders, aquatic plants and dead wood, elements that match the behavior and lifestyle of the otters. The renovated enclosure has been designed so that it can soon be shared with the red panda. This species will also take up residence at a later date, but for now only the Asian small-clawed otters can be seen there.
World's smallest otter
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter in the world and is known for its cooperation, curiosity and communication. Where one goes, the rest follow. They eat mostly shellfish and crabs, breaking them open with pebbles or their teeth. Within their group, they communicate with up to 12 different sounds. Their dense, oily fur keeps water out and air in, keeping them dry and warm while swimming. The species is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Recent news
Dutch wildlife veterinarian Martine van Zijll Langhout launches expanded English edition of Lessons from the Wild
23 September 2026 • ARTIS Zoo
Dutch wildlife veterinarian and ARTIS veterinarian Martine van Zijll Langhout will launch Lessons from the Wild, the expanded English-language edition of her Dutch bestseller Over Leven in het Wild, on Thursday 24 September at the ARTIS Groote Museum in Amsterdam. Princess Irene of the Netherlands, who has long championed a deeper connection between people and nature, will receive the first copy.
ARTIS and the Rijksmuseum reveal the invisible life on The Night Watch
10 September 2026 • ARTIS-Micropia
What lives on The Night Watch? ARTIS and the Rijksmuseum are joining forces to reveal the invisible life found on The Night Watch. From 11 November, the installation The Night Watch Lives will be on display at ARTIS-Micropia. Centred around a life-size reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, the installation reveals which microorganisms live on the painting.
African penguins get a new home at ARTIS
07 August 2026 • ARTIS Zoo
After almost 70 years, the African penguins are getting a new home. The sea lion exhibit will be transformed into a varied penguin habitat with deep water, plenty of nesting sites and underwater windows where visitors can watch the birds ‘fly’ through the water.