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Otter Birth
updated: Sep 07, 2010, 1:50 PM
Source: Santa Barbara Zoo
(Santa Barbara, CA, September 7, 2010) -- A new pair of Asian small-clawed
otters have produced five offspring, the first of the species born at the Santa
Barbara Zoo in more than 20 years. Born in a nesting box off-exhibit early on
Friday, August 20, they were all within a healthy weight range and have
continued to grow since then. As in the wild, where the parents keep their pups
in a den, these young otters will not leave their behind-the-scenes nesting area
for several months.
"We are Incredibly pleased with these first-time parents," said Alan
Varsik, Assistant Zoo Director. "They seem to be doing a great job with their
parental skills. It is exciting to have a young breeding pair and to have them
be successful so early in their time here at the Zoo. It will be fun to have a
family group of small-clawed otters on view for our guests."
The breeding pair, named Jillian and Bob by Santa Barbara Zoo sponsors,
arrived in January and March 2010, respectively. They are both first-time
parents and were paired as part of a cooperative breeding program of the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Jillian is one year and ten months old
and was born at the Bronx Zoo. Bob, aged three years and six months, came from
the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The last time Asian small-clawed otters were born
at the zoo was in June 1989 to a pair that had previous litters in February and
October 1988.
No photography of the pups is allowed at this time. Press will be
invited to view the pups when they go on exhibit, date to be determined.
When Will the Otter Pups Go On View?
Asian small-clawed otters usually keep their pups in their dens until
they are old enough to safely swim and have grown teeth so they can eat solid
food (fish). In captivity, the concern is that the pups may not be able to
safely navigate in a deep exhibit pool. The expected development of the pups
follows:
20 days: Eyes open (approximately September 10)
30-35 days: Teeth come in (late September)
35 days: First swimming lessons in very shallow water, off-exhibit (late
September)
55 days: Swim in 4 inches of water, off-exhibit (mid-October)
70-90 days: Swim in 2 feet of water (potential access to shallow pool, early
November)
90 days: Full diving in deep water (potential access to large exhibit pool, late
November)
National Cooperative Breeding Program
The AZA Asian small-clawed otter Species Survival Plan (SSP) works to
establish healthy zoo populations. The Santa Barbara Zoo is an active
participant in this cooperative project between AZA accredited zoos.
"We currently have 17 species managed by SSPs, though not all of them
are currently breeding. By selectively breeding small-clawed otters, Santa
Barbara Zoo and other zoos hope to ensure the survival of the species."
Although these otters are not listed as endangered, they are seriously
threatened by rapid habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution. They are
considered an "indicator species" -- their population indicates the general
health of their habitat and the health of other species.
About Small-Clawed Otters
This species, the smallest otter in the world, lives in freshwater
wetlands and mangrove swamps throughout Southeast Asia including southern India
and China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. They
prefer quiet pools and sluggish streams for fishing and swimming. Unlike sea
otters, they spend more time on land than in water, but they are skillful, agile
swimmers and divers, with great endurance. They can stay submerged for 6 to 8
minutes.
The species is about 2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, less than
half the size of North American river otters. Their claws do not protrude beyond
the ends of the digital pads, thus their names, and their feet do not have fully
developed webbing and look very much like human hands.
They are one of the few species of otter that live in social groups.
The bond between mated pairs of Asian small-clawed otters is very strong. Both
the male and female raise the young and are devoted parents. In the wild, Asian
small-clawed otters live in extended family groups of up to 12 individuals. The
entire family helps raise the young, which are among the most active and playful
of baby animals.
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