Adorable otter pups born at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Three Asian small-clawed otter pups were born over the weekend at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
The pups, all females, were born to parents Leia and Quincy on Saturday. Leia is among 16 breeding female otters in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan Program in the U.S.
NCAFF aquarists Shannon Anderson and Vickie Burgfeld spent all day with the otter couple and celebrated the successful delivery.
“Because pregnancies in this otter species can be difficult to detect and stillbirths are not uncommon, we were thrilled when we began seeing Leia and Quincy gingerly moving the newborn pups from one den to another and were able to count a total of three,” said Anderson.
Leia, age 3, and Quincy, age 8, are both first-time parents. So far, they seem very proud of their achievement and excited about their pups!
“Visitors to the Aquarium are very familiar with our two otter families. They are the first habitat guests experience when they enter our conservatory, so it is wonderful to share the story of these pups with the public,” said Hap Fatzinger, director, NCAFF.
Guests can see the pups in their habitat 'Otters on the Edge' once they are eating solid foods and proficient swimmers.
“We continue to monitor the pups’ growth and development, as well as ensure their parents have the calm and support they need to successfully raise them. All three pups are gaining weight, and Leia appears to be providing them with all the nutrition they need, which is especially encouraging and exciting as she is a first-time mom. We know our community is as excited as we are to see these cute little pups in person; however, to ensure they remain safe and healthy, the family will be staying behind the scenes until the pups are more developed and mobile, and Leia and Quincy are ready to venture beyond the nest,” said Dr. Emily Christiansen, chief veterinarian, North Carolina Aquariums.
The Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines.
