Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is happy to announce that the four North American river otter pups born on March 23 received their first wellness check today, and all are healthy and growing as expected. Zoo Veterinarian Timothy Plunkett examined each pup, checking their teeth, hearts and body condition, and then administered vaccines. The pups were weighed and microchipped for identification throughout their lifetimes.
There are two males, and two females, ranging in size from two and a half to two and three quarters pounds each. The seven-week-old pups are still in seclusion with their mother, Tahu, but are expected to begin venturing out into the habitat within the next few weeks. The river otter pups’ birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population for the long-term future.
“River otters are extremely active and playful animals so it will be a great deal of fun for guests to watch the four pups grow,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “The connection guests make with the otter pups encourages them to care about protecting wild animals and wild places, a key part of the Zoo’s mission.”
The River Otter Habitat and live Otter Cam is sponsored by Bridgeport Hospital.
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