There are several proud parents in The RainForest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as the exhibit is now home to a litter of three Asian small-clawed otter pups and one baby prehensile-tailed porcupine.
The otter pups, whose genders have not yet been determined, were born August 10 to mom Dep and dad Brownie. It's the first litter for both parents. Otter pups are born with their eyes still closed and take a few weeks to develop real mobility. But they are getting bigger and stronger and are ready to join their parents on exhibit on the second floor of The RainForest.
The new family will rotate on and off exhibit with the Zoo's other group of otters, males Emmet and Tali and female Nubbins.
�We're very pleased to see the otter pups developing and bonding well with mom and dad,� said General Curator Andi Kornak. �The Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan for this animal, so new additions to the managed nationwide population are always a good thing.�
In contrast to otter pups, prehensile-tailed porcupines are born more fully developed, with their claws formed and their eyes open. Their quills harden in about a week. The Zoo's porcupine was born August 28 to mom Emma and dad Wilbur. The Animal Care staff has been bottle feeding the little male porcupine to supplement his natural nursing. He can be seen on exhibit on the second floor of The RainForest as well.
Northeast Ohio's most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12.25 per person, $8.25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township enjoy free Zoo admission on Mondays. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.
