Otter Pups' Journey
July 14, 2022
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomed the birth of three female Asian small-clawed otters Saturday, May 21. This overwhelming amount of adorable represents success in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan®(SSP) Program. You can track the pups’ progress on the NCAFF blog, but we’ve gathered up some of the best pictures of the trio to date.
May 30, 2022 —"We are excited to announce the birth of three otter pups—all female, born May 21. They are tucked away in a nest behind the scenes under the attentive care of Leia and Quincy, first-time parents. Find out more about our newest additions to our Asian small-clawed otter family at ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher-press-room"
May 30, 2022 — "We're spellbound by this adorable cuddle puddle of otter pups at the Aquarium! Born Sat., May 21, they are tiny. What they lack in size, they make up in determination. The pups and their first-time parents, Leia and Quincy are inspiring us every day as they grow and gain weight. Follow their journey. ncaquariums.com/welcome-otter-pups"
June 1, 2022 — "OTTER PUP-DATE: Our Asian small-clawed otter pups had their first physicals today. The NC Aquariums veterinary team worked quickly to examine the pups and return them to their nest."
June 23, 2022 — "All three pups had their second checkup. Dr. Emily checked hearts and lungs. Their teeth are starting to come in and two of the three have signs that their eyes are opening! Follow their journey: ncaquariums.com/NCAFF-blog/posts/otter-pup-journey"
June 30, 2022 — "Eye-opening excitement and chirping on day 38. Look closely—one of the otter pups is looking back at you. She opened her eyes all the way Tuesday! Her sisters haven't fully opened their eyes...yet."
July 7, 2023 — "All three pups have opened their eyes and are more mobile. When Leia and Quincy bring them out of their nest, the girls will crawl around. They are also very vocal! Guest listen closely, you might hear them chirping from behind the scenes."
July 14, 2022 — "These pups are a handful! They started to venture out of the nest, unprompted by mom. Speaking of mom, Leia has started to hear a bit of sass coming from a pup when it's time to go back to the nest. ncaquariums.com/NCAFF-blog/posts/sassy-and-sensational"