The Detroit Zoo welcomed three healthy North American river otter pups, officials announced in a news release on Tuesday, April 21.
“These tiny newcomers are currently behind the scenes with mom, where animal care staff are keeping a close eye on them. They may be small, but they’re meeting all development milestones — even doubling their weight in just one week,” the zoo said in a post on Facebook.
The dad, Gus, is spending some time apart from the otters for now and can be found at the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat near the front of the Zoo, the post said.
The Detroit Zoo said the pups need time before making their public debut this summer, adding the public can check social media for updates.
The Detroit Zoo introduced visitors in March to three African lion cubs who made their first public appearance.
What are river otters?
The Detroit Zoo has been home to two North American river otters. Kalee came to the Zoo in 2018 after she was rescued by hikers who found her injured in Alaska. Gus joined the group in May 2021.
Otters are mammals that can live to about 12 years, the Zoo said. The grow to 2-3 feet long with tails that can be 1.5 feet long. Otters will grow up to 30 pounds.
The omnivores will eat fish, turtles, crabs, mollusks, birds, oysters, shellfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents and insects.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo’s river otter family adds 3. See mom and new pups
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
