Dudley Zoo has officially launched its collaborative wildlife art project, the DZC Spotter Otter Trail.

Over the past few months, eight Asian short-clawed otter sculptures have been decorated by talented local artists who have been inspired by a variety of themes including the zoo, the natural world, the Black Country and pop culture.

The project was officially launched by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Andrea Goddard, joined by some of the artists and their families to see the otters displayed at the zoo, where they’ll remain this week as part of the half term Carnivore Week celebrations.

After the school holidays they’ll move out to various venues around the Dudley borough for residents to discover, before returning to the zoo in time for the summer holidays.

At the end of the season the statues will be auctioned off to raise funds for two charities, The UK Wild Otter Trust and The Himalayan Otter Network.

DZC Head of Education and Conservation, Jack Williams, pictured above said: “We’re incredibly excited about this project, which not only aims to provide the local community with a unique opportunity to engage with wildlife, but we also hope to shine a spotlight on the threats both native and non-native otters are facing in the wild.”

To find out more about the Spotter Otter trail at Dudley Zoo, as well as information on the individual sculptures and their artists, visit dudleyzoo.org.uk.