SEATTLE, 2013-08-15— /travelprnews.com/ — Woodland Park Zoo’s four Asian small-clawed otter pups received their first wellness exam and were given a clean bill of health by the zoo’s animal health team. Veterinarians also confirmed that all of the pups are males and range in weight from 1.2 to 1.4 pounds.
The pups were born June 11 to 8-year-old father Guntur and 4-year-old mother Teratai, the first offspring for the pair. For additional photos, visit the zoo blog at http://www.zoo.org/blog.
Because otter parents, and any older siblings, play an active role in raising young pups, the parents and new family have been living off view in the otter den.
Introductions to the outdoor exhibit are around the corner once they pass a swimming test said Pat Owen, a collection manager at Woodland Park Zoo. “The swim lessons start off slowly. We’re letting mom and dad teach at their own pace and comfort level,” explained Owen.
The pups are showing the first signs of playing. “They’re not running or chasing yet, but pouncing and chewing,” said Owen. “They eat, they play and they sleep, much like 12-weekold puppies.”
The parents are just beginning to share food with the pups but they continue to nurse and should begin the weaning process around late August. Their solid diet will consist of chopped smelt, capelin and soaked cat food.
When the otter pups make their public debut, zoo-goers can enjoy the family at the new Bamboo Forest Reserve, which opened in May. The new exhibit marked the first phase of a dynamic, new exhibit complex at the heart of Woodland Park Zoo. With the community’s continued support, the zoo will be able to complete fundraising for the second phase of the exhibit complex, which will bring new homes for Malayan tigers and sloth bears at the zoo.
Visit www.morewonder.org for more information on supporting the next phase.
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter among the 13 otter species. It ranges throughout southern and southeastern Asia, including areas of India, Indonesian islands, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, southern China and Palawan in the Philippines.
ith rapidly declining habitat, range and population, the Asian small-clawed otter moved from near threatened status in 2004 to the more serious vulnerable category in 2008. The population in the wild is unknown, with some estimates at 5,000 and others at far fewer. While all otter species have protected status under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and killing is prohibited in most range countries, enforcement remains very limited. Poaching and water pollution remain its highest threats.
Zoo summer hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Admission through September 30: Adult (13-64) $18.75; Child (3-12) $11.75; Toddler (0-2) Free. Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military and their families, seniors and people with disabilities receive a discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year round. Parking: $5.25
Online ticketing: avoid lines and buy your general admission tickets in advance at www.zoo.org/visit. Discounts and coupons are not applicable for online ticket purchases. For more information or to become a zoo member, visit www.zoo.org or call 206.548.2500 or 548.2599 (TTY).
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Media contact: Gigi Allianic, Caileigh Robertson
206.548.2550 | woodlandparkzoopr@zoo.org