The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomed three new otter pups this month— two boys and one girl. The triplets are Asian small-clawed otters, which are on a Species Survival Plan, or SSP. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums launched the SSP program in the 90s to ensure the survival of threatened or endangered species and to promote genetic diversity within captive populations. Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern Asia, and are considered a vulnerable species.
It's the second litter in under a year from the breeding pair at NCAFF. The breeding pair Quincy and Leia now have six otter pups to take care of. Leia is one of 13 female breeding otters in the SSP.
In about 2 weeks the pups will begin moving around their den and opening their eyes. After seven weeks, their eyes will be fully open and they'll begin trying solid food. At 8 weeks, they'll begin swimming lessons in a 4-inch deep pool.
The three new pups will not be in public view until they reach important milestones, including swimming proficiently and eating solid foods, which is around 17 weeks.
