Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are excited by the birth of three Oriental Small-clawed Otter pups, born 8 January 2015.

The litter consists of two females and one male, all are yet to be named. Keepers will name two of the pups and are seeking name suggestions for the third pup via the Zoo’s Facebook page.

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

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

“The pups have been in the den to date and we have been monitoring them via a video camera, to ensure they are growing and developing well.”

This birth of this litter continues the breeding success for the Oriental Small-clawed Otters at the Zoo, with the first litter born to the breeding program in January 2014.

“The older siblings born in 2014 have been assisting their parents with the daily care of the pups including grooming and babysitting the new arrivals.”

“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.

The Otters pups are currently on display sporadically as they spend a lot of their time in their den. Over the coming weeks they will start to venture out with their parents and older siblings more often to explore their exhibit and to learn to swim.

“By the end of April we will expect to see the pups out and about more regularly in the exhibit with their parents and older siblings,” said Ian.