Proud New Parents Welcome the Denver Zoo’s Newest and Cutest Addition
The Denver Zoo in Colorado is expanding its family and has shared news of its newest member.
A Facebook post by the Denver Zoo has announced the birth of a healthy and strong male Asian Small-Clawed Otter pup to proud first-time parents Pintar and Bu on July 1, 2022.
Otter Pup Mania at the Denver Zoo
While I'm sure everyone is anxious to see the new otter pup at the Denver Zoo, the new pup and his parents will be ducking the public for the next few weeks until the pup can open his eyes.
However, guests can take a peek at the otter pup when visiting the Denver Zoo by watching the Otter Den Box Cam, which is set up in their habitat in El Pomar Foundation Village Hall, located in Toyota Elephant Passage.
Dad, Pintar, is thrilled to welcome his first son and is diving into his new responsibilities. Typically male Asian Small-Clawed Otters help build the nest burrow and provide food after the pups are born.
Pintar is reportedly already bringing back shrimp for the otter pup. Like many first-time dads, Pintar is getting a bit ahead of himself because the otter pup is not yet ready for solid foods.
All About Asian Small-Clawed Otters
According to the Denver Zoo, otter pups spend their first few weeks nursing every 3 to 4 hours. At birth, Asian Small-Clawed Otters only weigh about two ounces. Otter pups are typically weaned at around 14 weeks and can start eating solid food after 80 days.
We can most likely expect the new otter pup to start swimming at about 3 months and he will most likely reach adult size, approximately 6 to 12 pounds, at about 6 months.
Babies always grow up so fast, right?