Toba Aquarium, located in Mie Prefecture, recently announced the birth of two Asian small-clawed otter pups. Born on May 23 and May 24, respectively, one is male and the other is female. At the time of birth, they weighed approximately 3.2 ounces (93 grams) and 2.7 ounces (79 grams), respectively.
Unfortunately, two other pups from the same litter did not survive long after birth. However, the surviving male and female otter pups are now under the care of the aquarium staff, who are raising them.
The Asian small-clawed otter is known as the smallest otter species globally, measuring around 50–60 cm in length from head to tail. They are native to South and Southeast Asia. Sadly, these otters face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and the illegal pet trade, leading to a decline in their populations.
In Japan, these otters are particularly beloved for their cute and charming appearance. Consequently, Toba Aquarium plans to organize the first public debut of the two otter pups in late July, allowing visitors to witness their adorable presence.
The birth of these otter pups brings joy and hope, not only to the staff at Toba Aquarium but also to otter enthusiasts and conservationists. By showcasing these pups to the public, the aquarium aims to raise awareness about the conservation of Asian small-clawed otters and the challenges they face in the wild.
These two tiny additions to the otter family serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting these charismatic creatures and their natural habitats to ensure their survival for generations to come.