WildView™

October 8, 2015

Otterly Awesome Parents

- as seen by -

It has been many years since we’ve had an otter pup in Jungle World. Luckily, for “Monty,” our newest and much anticipated Asian small-clawed otter pup, his mom and dad are otterrific.

Typically, pups stay with their parents long enough to see the next litter raised – so they know what to do when it comes time for their own family. Even though Jasmine and Gyan (11 and nine years old, respectively) are both first-time parents, they have been attentive right from the start with their pup. Since the new family was doing so well, we gave them a lot of privacy with only a few quick weights on Monty to track his growth.

Around a month and a half after he was born, little Monty started making more appearances outside the nest box. Jasmine takes motherhood very seriously, and is in charge of where Monty ought to be, such as taking a nap in the nest box or getting a swimming lesson, whether or not Monty agrees. Gyan is busy transferring hay all over the place until it is in just the right location. He recently started bringing Monty bits of fish.

Now that Monty is starting to eat solids and getting better at swimming, he can be seen exploring the exhibit. But not to worry, mom and dad are still keeping a close eye on their precious pup.

Nikon D4