In August 2019, international commercial trade of the Asian small-clawed otter and the smooth-coated otter species was banned.
Sakura herself has been with her humans for four years and seems healthy and well cared for. The new restrictions simply mean that we can enjoy her delightful relationship with Mochi, without the same worry about how her viral popularity might risk the lives of her cousins in the wild going forward.
If you'd like to follow the adorable pair, you can do so on Instagram @kawauso_sakura and on YouTube.