Adelaide zoo otter pups pass first health check on World Otter Day

Three nine-week-old Small-clawed Otters have passed their first health check at Adelaide Zoo this morning on World Otter Day - a day that aims to raise awareness of the plight of otters.

Born in March, the three otter pups mark an important contribution to the breeding program working to save their vulnerable species which is threatened with extinction in the wild.

Adelaide Zoo has to date bred more than 70 otters since the breeding program began.

The three otter pups underwent the check-up by Adelaide Zoo’s dedicated veterinary team not far from home at their behind-the-scenes den.

The check revealed the pups each weigh just over 400g. An adult otter of this species generally weighs around 3kg, but can weigh up to 5kg, so, Zoos SA advises "these pups have a bit of growing to do!"

During the first health check, the new pups were microchipped, vaccinated, sexed and given a full physical examination.

Zoos SA Veterinarian Jenny McLelland said the otter pupss, two boys and a girl, were given a clean bill of health noting “we had a good look at their eyes, ears, mouth, teeth and checked their heart, and then we checked their weight and also gave them a vaccination and microchipped them so we can identify them.

“They're in excellent health and great condition. They're bright and well.

"After the check, the three pups quickly returned to their den to be with their parents as McLelland adds “to make sure both parents and pups weren’t too uncomfortable during the check, we aimed to be as fast as we could and immediately got them back together.”

Keeper Jade Koek added “(this is) a really important day to note as this vulnerable species is decreasing in the wild.

"The otter pups are pretty shy, so visitors will need to be patient. They should start coming out of their den soon, having swimming lessons with their mum, dad, brother and sister.”

An appeal to the public to help name the three otter pups is planned soon.