Brace yourselves for the most otter-ly adorable thing on the internet today.
Adelaide Zoo’s little otter pups have been spotted exploring their habitat and even having their first swim!
The two young pups were born to first-time parents Kalaya and Bao in early March and have since been spending their time bonding in a private den.
Now as they reach three-months-old, the pair have gained confidence and are beginning to venture out and explore their habitat in the evenings.
Adelaide Zoo Keeper Mary Johnson said it was wonderful to see the pair – a boy and a girl – getting more comfortable out of the nest.
“As first-time parents, Kalaya and Bao have been very cautious with their little ones, so it’s very exciting to see the whole family out,” Mary said.
“The pups are still sticking quite close to mum and dad, but it’s adorable to watch them chase after their parents and explore all the nooks and crannies of the habitat.
“Lucky visitors might be able to spot them in the late afternoon as they come out to have something to eat or a swimming lesson in the pond.”
Asian Small-clawed Otters are classified as vulnerable in the wild mostly due to the destruction of their habitats.
Swamp forests in Asia are often converted for aquaculture, bringing otters into close proximity with humans. Perceived as pests, these otters are killed as they eat the prawns and fish that farmers consume.
These new pups mark the first litter born at Adelaide Zoo since 2003.
Adelaide Zoo is proud to have bred more than 69 otters since its inception as part of the breeding program working to safeguard the species.
See the pups here!
