February 28, 06:23 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan has urged Singaporeans to embrace a species of smooth-coated otters believed to have migrated from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Writing in a blog post on Friday, Khaw said he assumes the otters must have swum over from the northern coast of Singapore as they are looking for a stable First World country spot to nest and breed.
This species of otters belongs to the same species (Lutrogale perspicillata) as those that are now frequently seen at Pasir Ris -- once a native species but had disappeared for decades because of first world development.
Also paying a visit is the Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica), a species not seen in Singapore.
Khaw wrote that a pair was spotted breeding at the Gardens By The Bay, together with 11 ducklings.
None of the animals could be reached for comment at press time.
Source: Pampered local otters feeding in the Singapore Zoo. Naaaaaaaw
All photos from Gardens By The Bay
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