Our trips

Marmot Encounter Tour

The Otter Breeding and Reintroduction Center is located 7 kilometers from the Gachuurt Center in the 20th district of Bayangol, Ulaanbaatar. Established in 2012, the center aims to balance and improve the ecosystem of the Tuul River naturally. Since 2019, it has been under the jurisdiction of the Ulaanbaatar City Environment Department, continuing its operations smoothly and steadily. The otter, often referred to as the "water engineer," plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat by raising the water levels in rivers. Specifically, it creates a transitional habitat between the river’s ecosystem and its surrounding dry land, which is crucial for increasing biological diversity. By digging channels and building embankments along the riverbank, otters slow down water flow, increasing moisture levels in the area. This creates wetlands, which foster the growth of other aquatic life forms, including microorganisms. This process plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem. In 2012, Mongolia brought 47 otters from Germany and Russia for reintroduction into the Tuul River. 16 otters were released in Zaan Terelj, and 31 otters were kept and cared for at the Otter Breeding and Reintroduction Center. The Otter Breeding and Reintroduction Center is situated 7 kilometers from the Gachuurt Center in the 20th district of Bayangol.

The changes and improvements in the river ecosystem resulting from the reintroduction of otters can be observed firsthand. You can also watch a documentary about otter habitats, breeding characteristics, and diet, followed by a visit to the museum. Since otters are nocturnal animals, you will learn methods of detecting them using automatic cameras and have the chance to meet the otters living at the breeding center. Additionally, you will gain valuable information about wild animals in the Ulaanbaatar vicinity and know where to seek assistance if encountering injured or distressed animals.