Monterey Bay Aquarium otters get African visitors

Monterey, Calif. — California sea otters are always on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but African spotted-necked otters? Six, including two pups named Kazana (loosely translated: “to busy oneself”) and Ajabu (“surprise”), plus four Asian small-clawed otters will appear at the aquarium starting Saturday in settings that mimic their native habitats. The new exhibit, “Wild About Otters,” will feature video clips narrated by actor and conservationist John Cleese, who raises concerns about threats to water-dependent wildlife around the world. Sea otters can be seen inside and from the outside deck, floating in the bay. Other tropical critters on display: vine snakes, Chinese gliding frogs and puffer fish. The exhibit runs until 2010. Info: (831) 648-4888, www.montereybayaquarium.org