Zoo otters give hope to zoo breeding program

November 13th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

LOVE has blossomed at Perth Zoo with the arrival of two Asian otters and staff hope it wont be long before they hear the patter of tiny paws.

The male and female otters arrived at Perth Zoo in October and are now making house in their new exhibit in the Asian rainforest, which opened to the public today.

Sneak peak at otters’ new life

Eight-year-old male, Kiet, came from Singapore Zoo while nine-year-old female, Tola came from Mogo Zoo in, New South Wales.

Perth Zoo life sciences director Maria Finnigan said the otters had become inseparable.

“It appears to be a promising start as they are getting on very well. Since their recent introduction they have been exploring their new home and establishing their territory together,” Ms Finnigan said.

Staff are hoping that it won’t be too long before they produce pups.

The otters are part of a regional breeding program to maintain a viable captive population of the species.

BREEDING PROGRAM: Perth Zoo staff have high hopes recently arrived otters will breed after settling in to new enclosure. | Picture: Stewart Allen

Ms Finnigan said it had been 15 years since otters were born at Perth Zoo and those offspring were not included in the breeding program because they were siblings.

“Otters usually give birth to two young although up to five is possible. The new exhibit is designed to house up to 16 otters in total,” Ms Finnigan said.

“Otters are a wonderful species as they are characteristically full of energy and very playful so it should be a very engaging exhibit for visitors.”