{"id":76778,"date":"2024-12-18T15:14:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T18:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chile.travel\/?p=55305"},"modified":"2025-12-05T15:50:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T18:50:06","slug":"the-chungungo-the-most-tender-animal-in-chile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chile.travel\/en\/blog\/the-chungungo-the-most-tender-animal-in-chile\/","title":{"rendered":"The Chungungo, the most tender animal in Chile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The chungungo<\/a> (Lontra felina), also known as sea otter or chinchim\u00e9n, has been crowned the new ambassador of Chilean fauna<\/strong>, and no wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This small carnivorous mammal, considered one of the most tender mammals in Chile, conquers hearts with its fluffy fur, big eyes, and playful behavior. In addition, its choice highlights the importance of protecting the coastal biodiversity of our country<\/strong>, as it is one of the most endangered species of extinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos: @turismos_orca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chungungo characteristics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The chungungo is the smallest member of the otters<\/strong>, reaching up to 90 cm in length (including its tail) and an average weight of 3 to 5 kg. Its fur is thick and dark brown, protecting it from the water’s cold. It is an expert swimmer<\/strong> with webbed feet and a streamlined body designed to explore coasts and coves in search of its favorite food: fish of different families, mollusks, crustaceans, and sometimes birds and small mammals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This solitary and territorial animal usually lives in natural shelters such as caves or rock crevices<\/strong>. Unlike other otters, it rarely ventures offshore, preferring to stay close to the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can Chungungo be seen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The chungungo inhabits the Pacific coast exclusively, from Per\u00fa to the Magallanes<\/a> region in Chile. Its best sightings<\/strong> occur in protected areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n