Otter pups receive first check-up

Posted by: Caileigh Robertson, Communications

Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Four new otter pups at Woodland Park Zoo received a clean bill of health today during their first, hands-on wellness exam. The Asian small-clawed otter pups—three females and one male—were born to 4-year-old mother Teratai and 8-year-old father Guntur on January 20.

Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

The zoo’s newest additions underwent a thorough neonatal exam to check their ears, eyes, mouths and overall development. Each of the otter pups just barely tipped the scales at 1.2-1.5 pounds, a healthy size for their 8-week-old frames. Exam results indicate all four pups are growing healthily as expected.

Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Since the pups' birth, the parents and four older brothers have all pitched in to build their den nest, provide support and, most recently, teach the pups to swim in a behind-the-scenes pool.

Video: Otter pup swim practice behind the scenes. Footage by Pam Cox, produced by Kirsten Pisto/Woodland Park Zoo. 

With behind-the-scenes swimming lessons under their belts (pelts?), the otter pups had their first chance to go outdoors into their full exhibit today. But their protective father kept them indoors! We'll try another practice introduction session and hopefully soon pups (and dad) will get comfortable out there in the Bamboo Forest Reserve.

Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Keep in mind that viewing hours at the otter exhibit will be irregular during the introduction sessions. Once we have an official debut planned, we'll be sure to share!