Asian small-clawed otter pups were born in September
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo recently welcomed a litter of three male otter pups in The RainForest. The pups were born September 24 to mom "Bitzy" and dad "Kibble."
Otter pups are born with their eyes still closed and take a several weeks before they're able to develop mobility and eventually swim. The trio are getting bigger and stronger and are expected to be ready to join their parents on exhibit in The RainForest in the coming weeks.
Prior to public introduction, exclusive content, updates and behind-the-scenes footage of the otter pups and family will be shared on Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Facebook page as part of its Facebook LIVE series.
Asian small-clawed Otters are indigenous to Asia and are one of the smallest species of otter. They have unusual hand-like front paws with increased tactile sensitivity and reduced webbing, which they use to forage for their prey of crustaceans, mollusks and small fish.
Asian small-clawed Otters are listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) and their population is managed by a Species Survival Plan Program (SSP) in zoos certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo now has seven Asian small-clawed otters in The RainForest.
FREE ZOO ENTRY ON THANKSGIVING
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has surpassed 1 million visitors in 2017 for the 25th consecutive year. The Zoo and The RainForest will be free for all guests on Thanksgiving and special Meet the Keeper experiences will be offered throughout the park.
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Since 1995, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has contributed more than $6 million to wildlife conservation efforts in partnership with Cleveland Zoological Society. Each year the Zoo contributes more than $600,000 annually to conservation programs, the vast majority come from community donations. While visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, guests can take action to secure a future for wildlife. Visitors can donate through 'Quarters for Conservation,' 'round-up' for conservation programs at Zoo retail locations and donate to the Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Fund. To learn more or join our conservation community, visit
futureforwildlife.org.
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Cleveland Metroparks Media Contacts:
External Communications Coordinator
Jeffrey Tolman, 216-635-3274
Chief Marketing Officer
Kelly Manderfield, 216-635-3202
