The Brown County NEW Zoo and Adventure Park announced that four North American river otter pups were born on March 8th. First-time mother Leia has proven to be an excellent parent and guests at the zoo can expect to see playful baby otters this summer. The adorable babies are the result of careful planning to maximize the genetic diversity of the captive otter population in AZA Zoos.
Little otters (called pups or kits) first open their eyes between 28 and 35 days of age but are not able to focus well until they are about 7 weeks old. Currently, the zoo is respecting Leia’s wishes and only her primary Zookeeper has glimpsed at the babies. As she becomes more comfortable with leaving the babies alone for short periods, Zookeepers will be able to determine their sex.
Until they are old enough to negotiate the exhibit (late May/early June), mother otter Leia will be spending the majority of her days indoors, out of sight, caring for her pups. Proud papa Skokie, on the other hand, is accepting congratulations daily.
