Four otter pups arrive at Weymouth Sea Life
The little ones follow a whirlwind romance for their parents
Four baby otters have been born at Weymouth Sea Life, with their keepers describing the pups as 'otter-ly adorable'!
The little ones have arrived in the holt while it was closed off to the public for privacy, and a nestcam installed to monitor the new family.
The pups have now taken their first steps into the Sea Life otter habitat, and can be seen by visitors.
Asian short-clawed male otter Badger had been 'single' for 10 years, before finding love with female Isa when she was moved into Weymouth in the summer of 2022.
The pair have been inseparable since, with the new arrivals sealing their relationship.
Kico Iraola, Curator at Sea Life Weymouth, said:
“We are delighted to welcome our four new arrivals to the world. It’s been amazing to see Badger grow up over the past decade, finally find a suitable mate and now become a father for the very first time!
“The team are thrilled with the pups and it’s fantastic to see the great work they’ve put in, and continue to do so, to ensure the new family are well looked after and have everything they could possibly need.”
Asian small-clawed otters are classified as vulnerable, with the destruction of habitats playing a major part in the reduction of numbers.
By breeding aquarium-born otters Sea Life say they're able to help educate the public about their plight in the wild, whilst also ensuring the species thrive under no threat.