OTTERS Eric and Pumpkin are living proof that it’s not only us humans who enjoy frolicking in the summer sun.

The happy pair of Asian short clawed otters have been entertaining visitors at Scarborough’s Sea Life Centre by splashing about in the water and basking in the sunshine.

“They’re just like us when we go on holiday,” said senior aquarist Todd German. “They sunbathe, eat ice-lollies and then take a dip in the pool.”

Well, almost - instead of a regular ice-lolly, the Sea Life version is a tasty frozen fish dish that has been a real hit with the otters.

“They go crazy for them, and it’s great that we can help them cool down in the summer heat,” said Todd.

“We’re also in the process of teaching them how to play football to mark the start of the World Cup game we are running at the centre, so it’s a great way to reward them after training.”

The otters are representing the Korean Republic in the World Cup game in which different animals are representing different countries.

Visitors are encouraged to make a small donation to the new Sea Life Marine Conservation Trust by choosing which of them will take the trophy.

Teams include the Humboldt penguins defending for Chile, the common seals tackling for England and the weedy seadragons – similar to seahorses – in goal for Australia.