Washington Wetland Centre mourns death of 17-year-old otter Musa

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

Musa, a 17-year-old Asian short-clawed otter at Washington Wetland Centre, has died following a short illness.

Musa, a 17-year-old Asian short-clawed otter at Washington Wetland Centre, died on 16 October following a short illness, just a week after his 17th birthday. He was the oldest of his species across all ten Wetland Wildlife Trust sites in the UK.

During his lifetime, Musa fathered nine cubs and was described by staff as 'the best of otters'. He lived alongside his nine-year-old son Buster until the end. His great-grandchildren reside at London Zoo. Musa was previously partnered with Mimi, who died in 2025.

Staff at the centre announced his death in a statement, saying: 'We knew this day was on the horizon, but that makes its arrival no less difficult.' They described feeling that 'devastated doesn't come close' to how they are all feeling. The centre is now prioritising the welfare of Buster, who is receiving extra care and love following Musa's death.

How it is being reported

• Washington Wetland Centre staff devastated at death of Musa the otterThe centre is asking people to share their memories of MusaSunderland Echo · 20 Oct, 11:21
• Washington Wetland Centre staff devastated at death of Musa the otterThe centre is asking people to share their memories of MusaSunderland Echo · 20 Oct, 11:08
• Washington Wetlands Centre mourns "beloved" Musa the 17-year-old otterThe otter has long been a staple of Washington Wetland CentreChronicleLive · 19 Oct, 15:54

In this story: Musa · Washington Wetland Centre · Wetland Wildlife Trust · London Zoo · Buster

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