For the first time in more than 10 years, Asian small-clawed river otters have been born at SeaWorld San Diego, making their debut on Feb. 7.
One male and one female pup are being raised in a behind-the-scenes den at Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. The pups are in good health, and are being well taken care of by their very protective, first-time parents, Leo and Giselle.
River otters have long been the co-stars of SeaWorld's popular Sea Lion and Otter show. The park's newest show, "Sea Lions LIVE," pokes fun at some of television’s popular reality shows with their own renditions, including “Dancing with the Pinnipeds” (“Dancing with the Stars”), “Sea Lion Idol” (“American Idol”) and “Rachel Sting-Ray’s 5-Minute Meals” (a Rachel Ray-style cooking show).
The last time river otters were born at SeaWorld was in 1998, when Lucy and Norton became the proud parents of Willow, Buffy and Zander. Buffy and Zander have interacted with guests for more than a decade, going on walks to meet and greet people in the park as part of the In-Park Encounter (IPE) Program. They have also traveled with the public relations team for appearances at TV stations, school programs and other events in a variety of West Coast cities.
The Asian small-clawed river otter is the smallest of the 13 otter species. They mate for life and will stay in small family groups of up to 15. Typical litter size is two to six pups. Gestation is about 62 days, and pups are born small and helpless with their eyes closed. The SeaWorld pups first opened their eyes at about five weeks old, which is typical for the species. They are still nursing, but will begin the weaning process in a few weeks. Maturity is reached in two to three years.
Very cute, but how cruel to force these intelligent and sensitive animals to perform for people's entertainment.
Posted by: Laura Brown | March 27, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Sweeeeet!
Posted by: Holy Cuteness | March 27, 2009 at 01:25 PM
So cute...and I love the pop culture referencing otter names ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and ex-human couple Di Caprio and Bundchen)
Posted by: Leroy | March 27, 2009 at 11:38 PM
These pictures are TOO precious. I cannot wait to go visit these little ones!
Posted by: linadarkly | March 27, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Hmmm... how does Tom Brady feel about this?
Posted by: Becky | March 30, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I believe it's "Xander" :P
Posted by: blufindr | April 06, 2009 at 09:47 PM
If these animals are really intelligent and sensitive as you say, I bet they're grateful they are here and well-cared for, and not being chewed on by killer whales.
Posted by: Jill | April 06, 2009 at 10:33 PM
if they nwre mine i would name them cute and cuter
Posted by: mjun | June 22, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I wish i could take these cuties home!!!
Posted by: ace | December 13, 2009 at 09:10 AM
THEY ARE SOOO AHHH-DORRABLEE! I want to take them Home ;]
Posted by: Amber Massie | March 16, 2010 at 08:30 AM