One Ohio farm is offering a twist no one saw coming: what may be the world’s only otter yoga class.
SHELBY, Ohio — When you think of yoga, calm music, gentle stretching or deep breathing might come to mind. But in recent years, animal-themed yoga has surged in popularity, from goats to dogs to cats. Now, one Ohio farm is offering a twist no one saw coming: what may be the world’s only otter yoga class.
The class takes place at Westmeister Farms in Shelby and features Harbor and Cove, two small-clawed Asian otters, along with yoga instructor Trish Sexstella of Meta Soul Yoga. She says the idea started as a fun themed event but quickly grew into something much bigger.
Trish has taught yoga for more than a decade and says the otter sessions often end up being the gateway for newcomers.
“It opens up a door for people who may not otherwise try yoga,” she said. “Some people show up just for the event, and then they email me later and start doing regular classes. It’s a good way to segue that into their lives — plus the bonus of a little animal therapy.”
The otters were raised on the farm and are highly socialized, making them comfortable around visitors. But there are rules: no jewelry, no hair clips and absolutely no items in pockets. Harbor and Cove are known for their curiosity — and their thievery.
“They are little treasure goblins,” Trish said. “They’ll unscrew things, unzip things. They go in pockets, up shirts, down pants. They’re very mischievous.”
Because otters tend to follow their own agenda, the class is less about perfect poses and more about enjoying the moment. Participants are encouraged to do “as much or as little yoga” as they want — even if that means taking an “otter nap” or offering belly rubs.
It was an assignment 3News’ Mike Polk Jr. couldn’t pass up. So he recruited a handful of friends and coworkers who were thrilled for the chance to attend.
Meteorologist Jessica Van Meter said her love of otters began in childhood. “I’m pretty sure it’s circa ’95, watching Pocahontas for the first time and seeing the otters go through the rivers with her canoe,” she said. “It was just so fun.”
Ryan Dalton said physical therapy led him here. “My therapist said I needed to do yoga, and I thought, ‘Hmm, boring. How about we spice it up?’ They said otters. I’m in.”
Another participant, Laura Wimbels, arrived with one goal: “To be fully assaulted by cuteness — consensually.”
Others said they simply expected laughter, giggles and a chance to let the otters climb all over them.
As the class got underway, Harbor and Cove showed off their differing personalities. Cove is the calmer of the two, often curling up for a nap, while Harbor stays busy exploring, climbing and investigating anything that catches his eye.
For Trish, watching people interact with the otters is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
“I love seeing the genuine joy, the carefreeness, the laughter, the giggles,” she said. “For a couple hours each month, nothing else matters. It’s super wholesome, unstaged, unfiltered — just natural, genuine joy.”
Each session includes a trained handler to ensure safety and to protect the otters’ independence. According to Trish, the animals truly enjoy the experience as well.
“They absolutely love it,” she said. “They even strike little yoga poses from time to time. It’s stimulating for them, and they need that.”
The class has attracted participants from across the United States and even internationally. And while Ohio’s winter weather forces a seasonal pause, the demand hasn’t slowed.
Gift cards are available for the holidays, which Trish describes as “an otterly great Christmas present.”
She said guests are always delighted: “Everyone has a great time. We’ve had people come back a second and third time because they have such a blast.”
You can learn more about the class and Meta Soul Yoga here.