Every pet deserves a loving and respectful home: please only consider acquiring a pet if you will be able to take care of its long-term needs. Also, consider choosing your animal companion from a shelter, where there are so many wonderful furry friends who need a forever home.

In this video we take a closer look at what became a fast-moving fad: otters as pets.

Japanese otter cafés and social media influencers created an increased demand for pet otters all over the world, with devastating consequences. Because, while the otters themselves might be adorable, the truth behind this trade is anything but.

Ripped from the wild or irresponsibly bred, not to mention, orphaned by poachers and confined in unnatural environments… these otters live lives of extreme misery.

View the original video here.

Good Living is the Cyprus Mail’s portal of curated content from across the internet, showcasing local and global ideas, cultural highlights, and scientific and technological developments to inspire a sustainable life.