Otter Training at Fjord&Bælt

Training and Enrichment of Fie the Otter at Fjord&Bælt  

Every day at 11:30 AM – Training session with Danish commentary
Every day at 1:30 PM – Enrichment session (no commentary)
Every day at 2:30 PM – Training session with English commentary

Get ready for a memorable experience at Fjord&Bælt, where you can meet our charming European otter, Fie, up close. Discover how training, play, and research come together to create a meaningful and enriching life for one of nature’s most fascinating animals.

The European otter (Lutra lutra) lives along coasts, fjords, and rivers across Europe. Perfectly adapted to both water and land, it has webbed feet for swimming, thick fur to keep warm, and a flexible body built for agility. Otters are curious and intelligent hunters that rely on their senses—especially sight, hearing, and touch—to explore their surroundings and find food.

At Fjord&Bælt, you can experience how we work with Fie through positive reinforcement training. This means she always participates on her own terms. Training sessions are designed to be stimulating and rewarding, giving her the opportunity to stay active, engaged, and curious. At the same time, the training allows her to take part voluntarily in health checks, making everyday care both stress-free and enriching.

You’ll also get a glimpse into the exciting research we carry out. One of our focus areas is how otters hear both underwater and on land—two environments where sound behaves very differently. By taking part in hearing studies, Fie helps researchers better understand how human activities like traffic, construction, and shipping may impact wildlife.

Enrichment plays a big role in Fie’s daily life. This can include anything from new objects in her habitat and scent trails to hidden food and fun challenges that encourage her natural problem-solving skills. These activities keep her mind sharp and allow her to express her natural behaviour in playful and surprising ways.

During selected times, you can watch live training sessions and see Fie in action. It’s a unique chance to observe her personality, her energy, and her close interaction with the animal caretakers. Every session is different, and because Fie always chooses whether to join, each experience feels authentic and special.

By visiting Fjord&Bælt and experiencing otter training, you’re not just enjoying a fun and educational activity—you’re also supporting important research and conservation efforts. Even though the European otter is making a comeback in Denmark, it still faces challenges from changes in its environment and human disturbance.

Come and meet Fie, and leave with a deeper appreciation for one of Denmark’s most captivating wild animals.