Shy otter cubs make musical debut at Weymouth Sea Life Park

A Dorset musician has been playing her guitar to otters to help them get used to their new home at Weymouth Sea Life Park.

Dorset Music Awards quarter finalist Krista Green serenaded two baby otters before her gig at the Dorset Music Awards quarter finals last night. Yesterday morning the acoustic guitarist, songwriter and singer, visited Weymouth SeaLife Park to play lullabies to two 5 month old otter cubs.

The cubs, which will be named later this month following a poll on Facebook, only plucked up the courage to venture outside their well hidden nest and into the otters' outdoor enclosure in the past fortnight. 

Although one of the baby otters has proved an adventurous spirit, his sister has proved incredibly shy. It is hoped Krista's gentle tones will soothe the younger otter cub's nerves whilst she explores her new 'back garden'.

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park Manager Craig Dunkerly said "We're really excited to see if Krista's music will help the youngest otter and hope she will feel calmer exploring her outside enclosure."

Studies show that music can have the same soothing effect on animals as it does on humans, with some musicians even specialising in making music for animals such as harpist Alianna Boone.

On the island of Islay in Scotland, violinist Fiona Middleton regularly plays to wild seals relaxing on the shore.

Monkeys at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston were treated to a live performance by harpist Sue Raimond, whilst dogs at an RSPCA centre in West Hatch, Taunton, proved calmer after listening to Bach.

Whilst Krista Green's musical repartee includes several lively acoustic numbers, the Bournemouth Unplugged winner of 2011 performed her gentler melodies forthe otters, including 'Move along in my own time' from her debut album 'Moments with the Universe'.

She said: "Although this was one of the most unusual gigs I've ever performed, it was also one of the cutest!

"Hopefully the music had the desired effect and the otters are fans!"

The artist has agreed to leave a copy of the album for the otters should the experiment prove successful "As I won't be able to play to them around the clock, sadly!" she laughs.