Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are excited to announce the arrival of a litter of Oriental Small-clawed Otter pups, born 8 September 2015.

The litter consists of five pups, four females and one male, with all yet to be named.

“The pups are well developed and of a good weight for their age,’ said Senior Keeper Ian Anderson. “They’ve just had their first health check and starting to venture from the den to explore their surroundings.”

 This is the third litter for mother Emiko and father Pocket, both exceptional parents taking great care of their offspring.

“Both Emiko and Pocket are very hands-on and now experienced parents, they have been displaying ideal nurturing behaviours,” said Ian.

“The pups have been in the den to date but are now venturing out into the Otter exhibit, for keen eyed visitors to catch a glimpse of.”

This litter continues the breeding success for the Zoo’s Oriental Small-clawed Otters, with the first litter born to the breeding program in January 2014. The Zoo is now home to 12 Otters.

“The older siblings born in January 2015 have been assisting their parents with the daily care of the pups, including grooming and babysitting the new arrivals,” Ian said.

“Oriental Small-clawed Otters are a social species and live in large families so it is anticipated that the family will remain together for the near future,” said Ian.

“By the end of November we will expect to see the pups out and about more regularly in the exhibit and learning to swim with their parents and older siblings.”