{
  "id": 15555067,
  "title": "Lotte World Aquarium offers up-close look at capybara, otter behavior",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/lotte-world-aquarium-offers-up-close-look-at-capybara-otter-behavior-15555067",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T04:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20261019/lotte-world-aquarium-offers-up-close-look-at-capybara-otter-behavior"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lotte World Aquarium, located in Songpa District of southeastern Seoul, has recently initiated a series of specialized behavioral enrichment programs for its capybaras and Asian small-clawed otters. This initiative aims to provide visitors with an exclusive glimpse into the natural instincts and playful routines of these animals. The programs were timed to coincide with World Animal Day, an annual global event observed on October 4th, which seeks to promote animal welfare and strengthen the connection between humans and nature. The activities were held on October 2nd and the following Friday within the aquarium's main animal habitats.\n\nThe enrichment programs were meticulously designed to cater to the unique biological traits and natural habits of each species. For the capybaras, aquarists crafted scarecrow-shaped toys made from hay and stuffed with seasonal autumn treats. These novel objects prompted the world's largest rodents to engage in foraging, inspecting, and interacting with their food in ways that closely resemble their wild behaviors. Meanwhile, the Asian small-clawed otters were provided with tactile enrichment setups comprising autumn pine cones, chestnuts, and various textured objects. These setups encouraged the otters to explore their surroundings and engage in problem-solving activities, thereby promoting curiosity and cognitive stimulation.",
  "summary": "Lotte World Aquarium in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul, has launched a series of tailored behavioral enrichment programs for its capybaras and Asian small-clawed otters, giving visitors an up-close view of the animals' natural instincts and playful routines. Timed to celebrate World Animal Day — an annual global event observed on Oct. 4 to advocate for animal welfare and foster deeper bonds…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Lotte World Aquarium offers up-close look at capybara, otter behavior",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/lotte-world-aquarium-offers-up-close-look-at-capybara-otter-behavior",
        "published": "2026-10-19T03:42:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}