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Adelaide Zoo has welcomed the birth of three Asian Small-clawed Otter pups, the second litter for mum Kalaya and dad Bao since the arrival of their first two pups in March last year.

Asian Small-clawed Otters are classified as vulnerable in the wild mostly due to the destruction of their habitats.

Like other mammals, Asian Small-clawed Otters are born with their eyes closed and rely heavily on their parents for everything during their first few weeks of life.

It will be at least a month yet until the pups have their first health check where vets will make sure they are healthy, growing well and will also determine their sex.

Around that time they’ll be old enough to make their debut and join brother Rama and sister Mali in the larger otter habitat.

Adelaide Zookeeper Matt Golebiowski advised “we kept a careful watch on Kalaya and the pups last year as these guys were first-time parents.

“This year is very different! Kalaya and Bao have experience now and are incredibly relaxed and caring parents.

“We’ve been monitoring them from afar to let the new family have some bonding time but from what we can see, the otters are tending to their pups’ every need.”

Swamp forests in Asia are often converted for aquaculture, bringing otters into close proximity with humans. Perceived as pests, these otters are killed as they eat the prawns and fish that farmers consume.

These new pups mark the second litter born at Adelaide Zoo since 2003.

Adelaide Zoo is proud to have bred more than 70 otters since its inception as part of the breeding program working to safeguard the species.

While Adelaide Zoo is closed to the public during COVID-19, people will be able to find out more about the otter pups through Facebook and Instagram pages and their website.

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