Otters Outrun the Standard Chartered Marathon
When the 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon sprinted past Gardens by the Bay early this Sunday, the usual crowd of runners was joined by a truly unexpected party: 16 cute otters, complete with 10 adult purr‑sisters and 6 baby gibbons. The furry squad arrived at 7:25 AM and turned the race route into a real animal playground.
How the Otters Arrived
- Sleep‑over: The otters camped out overnight in the lush gardens.
- Good‑Morning routine: At sunrise (6 AM) they stretched, ate breakfast, then set off for a little morning foraging.
- Baby‑bundle pick‑up: By 7:25 AM, the adults were back with their babies, ready to explore.
From Swine to Roll‑and‑Drop
Less than an hour later, the otters moved to a new spot, where they rolled in the grass like furry somersault artists to dry off in the Singapore sun. Runners paused to laugh and snap photos—imagine a line of otters doing a gravity‑defying “spin‑and‑slither” routine right beside the road!
Why Humans Had to Be Gentle
Wildlife photographer and celleer extraordinaire Bernard Seah—49, of course—was at the scene with four other volunteers. He and the Otter Working Group (a team of public, government, and wildlife advocates) had spied the otters and promptly called the marathon folks to prep for a possible “shepherd‑by‑stander” situation where otters could accidentally stroll into the running line.
Seah explained:
“If the runners were busy and the otters tried to cross their path, they could get spooked and not understand why humans were sprinting right at them.”
“The adult otters were likely protecting the babies, so a clash between the two communities was a real concern.”
Because of quick collaboration, the event organizers put in place a “no‑touch” zone with trained volunteers who’d watch the otters and gently guide them away if needed. An initial sweep ensured the path was clear—and the race ran smoothly.
Outcome: All Joy, No Conflict
- No human–otter clashes reported.
- Otters were free to roam gardens while charming runners and onlookers alike.
- Volunteers and enthusiasts salvaged a story that turned into a heartwarming viral moment.
The marathon speakers are still humming a tune about otters, and the otters themselves? They’re probably dreaming of running 10 km next year. The Straits Times first reported on this whiskered adventure, and we’re thrilled to re‑tell the tale—all in a seamless, human‑written flow.
