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[feline groovy]

I can't.

Otter Triplets Born to Nkeke and Miles at Potter Park Zoo

ZooBorns.com    March 2, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4xqf2V4tD8&feature=emb_logo

Potter Park Zoo's North American river otter Nkeke gave birth to three pups Wednesday, Feb. 3 – almost a year after her last litter.

“This is Miles and Nkeke’s third litter of pups, and while each litter has been exciting, this one is especially so since it is their first set of triplets,” said Carolyn Schulte, Potter Park Zoo otter keeper. “Nkeke is an experienced mom and thanks to her excellent relationship with the keepers we have been able to monitor the pup’s growth closely to ensure they each grow at a healthy rate.”

At two days old, a quick physical exam was conducted to get a baseline body weight and check for any abnormalities or injuries. The pups weighed in at 107 grams, 88 grams, and 75 grams. Potter Park Zoo Director of Animal Health Dr. Ronan Eustace said triplets can be challenging for an otter to raise.

“With triplets there are more demands on the mother and we’re cautiously hopeful that she will be able to raise all three without veterinary intervention,” said Eustace.

While it’s difficult to determine gender at this stage, Eustace believes two are female and one is male. The pups have been nursing regularly over the past few weeks and will be continually monitored by the animal care team over the next couple of months.

Otter pups are born fully furred, but take around five weeks to open their eyes. They start playing at around six weeks and begin swimming lessons shortly after. Because rearing is done by mom alone, zoo visitors can still see father Miles on exhibit, but will have to wait a few months before Nkeke and the pups are out and about.

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[willomenia]

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@feline groovy wrote:

I can't.

Otter Pup Triplets Born to Nkeke and Miles at Potter Park Zoo

ZooBorns.com    March 2, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4xqf2V4tD8&feature=emb_logo

Potter Park Zoo's North American river otter Nkeke gave birth to three pups Wednesday, Feb. 3 – almost a year after her last litter.

“This is Miles and Nkeke’s third litter of pups, and while each litter has been exciting, this one is especially so since it is their first set of triplets,” said Carolyn Schulte, Potter Park Zoo otter keeper. “Nkeke is an experienced mom and thanks to her excellent relationship with the keepers we have been able to monitor the pup’s growth closely to ensure they each grow at a healthy rate.”

At two days old, a quick physical exam was conducted to get a baseline body weight and check for any abnormalities or injuries. The pups weighed in at 107 grams, 88 grams, and 75 grams. Potter Park Zoo Director of Animal Health Dr. Ronan Eustace said triplets can be challenging for an otter to raise.

“With triplets there are more demands on the mother and we’re cautiously hopeful that she will be able to raise all three without veterinary intervention,” said Eustace.

While it’s difficult to determine gender at this stage, Eustace believes two are female and one is male. The pups have been nursing regularly over the past few weeks and will be continually monitored by the animal care team over the next couple of months.

Otter pups are born fully furred, but take around five weeks to open their eyes. They start playing at around six weeks and begin swimming lessons shortly after. Because rearing is done by mom alone, zoo visitors can still see father Miles on exhibit, but will have to wait a few months before Nkeke and the pups are out and about.

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Your right about a stress reliever!!!

[JYWilliams]

LOL, They are so cute.

[Peaches McPhee]

Will you look at that belly button???!!!!  Cuteness to the max.

[Porcelain]

Cute babies!!

Did you know in Japan you can keep an otter as a pet? I'm subscribed to Otter Bingo's Youtube channel. It's videos of Bingo and Belle the otters playing around and doing different things in this couple's house. They are fascinating to watch. They seem to love bottle tops.

[feline groovy]

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@Peaches McPhee  wrote:

Will you look at that belly button???!!!!  Cuteness to the max.

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Exactly!   8)

[feline groovy]

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@Porcelain wrote:

Cute babies!!

Did you know in Japan you can keep an otter as a pet? I'm subscribed to Otter Bingo's Youtube channel. It's videos of Bingo and Belle the otters playing around and doing different things in this couple's house. They are fascinating to watch. They seem to love bottle tops.

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Thanks, @Porcelain - just added them to my YouTube channels.

[pitdakota]

So little and so very previous!

[sophiesofers]

OMG!  They are otterly adorable!  I want to cuddle them!  Thanks @feline groovy  for posting this!  

[chickenbutt]

Awww, cutest babies I've seen today!!

  

Thank You for sharing them with us.