For any one interested in otters, I thought this video of the Smooth Coated Otters born at Rare Species Conservation Centre back in May 2010 might be enjoyed. These are the first breeding success of new breeding program for this under-represented species.
As of July 2010, 1 adult breeding pair is held in the Rare Species Conservation Centre with 3 pups (2 parent reared, 1 hand reared) and 1 adult breeding pair is held at Belfast Zoo.
This was the first litter for this pair and the parents have been doing a great job with the two remaining pups. The one pup that is being hand reared was subject to the female bringing the pup out to the front of the enclosure and was left by itself whilst the female fed. The decision was made to hand rear this individual and the smaller burden of responsibilty seems to have proved positive for the rearing of the other 2 pups.
Dad has been helping the otter babies to swin and develop - in this video he was just trying to get 5 minutes peace!
The video was taken on 29.07.2010, the otters being just over 2 months old.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hNpSUgeF8
As of July 2010, 1 adult breeding pair is held in the Rare Species Conservation Centre with 3 pups (2 parent reared, 1 hand reared) and 1 adult breeding pair is held at Belfast Zoo.
This was the first litter for this pair and the parents have been doing a great job with the two remaining pups. The one pup that is being hand reared was subject to the female bringing the pup out to the front of the enclosure and was left by itself whilst the female fed. The decision was made to hand rear this individual and the smaller burden of responsibilty seems to have proved positive for the rearing of the other 2 pups.
Dad has been helping the otter babies to swin and develop - in this video he was just trying to get 5 minutes peace!
The video was taken on 29.07.2010, the otters being just over 2 months old.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hNpSUgeF8
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