Staff at the Washington Wetland Centre are mourning the loss of Musa, a 17-year-old Asian short-clawed otter who died on Friday, October 16, following a short illness. Musa had been a part of the wildlife centre for years and was the oldest of his species across all the Wetland Wildlife Trusts (WWT) in the UK.
A Beloved Patriarch
Musa, who died a week after his 17th birthday, had fathered nine cubs during his lifetime. Staff announced his passing in a statement, saying: "We knew this day was on the horizon, but that makes its arrival no less difficult. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we sadly announce the passing of Musa, our beloved Asian short-clawed otter patriarch."
At 17 years old, Musa was the oldest of his species across the whole of WWT, which includes all 10 sites across the country. His great-grandkids reside in London Zoo.
Age-Related Health Problems
The statement continued: "But with that honour came inevitable age-related health problems and, following a short illness, we lost our boy on Friday (October 16)." Staff expressed their devastation, adding: "Devastated doesn’t come close to how we’re all feeling right now and we know that many of you will be just as heartbroken."
Musa was described as "truly the best of otters," a wonderful partner to the late Mimi, who was lost in 2025, and a loving father to no less than nine cubs. He was also a doting dad to nine-year-old Buster, who he lived alongside till the very end.
Buster's Welfare Priority
Staff assured that Buster's welfare is now their absolute top priority and that he is receiving all the love and extra care he needs. They noted that the team has been preparing for this loss for a while and, after taking time to process things, they will introduce Buster to a new companion only when he is absolutely ready.
The centre plans to celebrate Musa's legacy by sharing memories, anecdotes, and numerous pictures and videos of him, inviting the public to do the same using the hashtag #memoriesofmusa. The statement concluded: "But for now, rest in eternal peace darling Musa. Wherever you are, may the pebbles be plentiful and the minced beef delicious. We love you and you will be forever missed."
Otter Talks Suspended
The Washington Wetland Centre has suspended otter talks until Friday, October 23. Musa had just celebrated his 17th birthday last week, with staff throwing a party for him and his son Buster, complete with minced beef cake and a mini ball pit. Staff members called him a "very special otter" and "very near and dear to us."
