KCZooFan
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2 Baby Giant Otters Born At Zoo Miami - Pets News Story - WPLG Miami
MIAMI -- Zoo Miami is welcoming two very special additions to its family.
Two giant river otters, one male and one female, were born Jan. 31 to first-time parents Kara and Witoto. Zoo representative Ron Magill said Zoo Miami is only the second zoo in the U.S. to successfully reproduce giant river otters.
The babies have been living in seclusion with their parents since their birth. On Wednesday, the babies were separated from their parents so a veterinarian could examine them. Zoo representatives said neither of the pups has opened its eyes, but veterinarians believe them to be healthy and strong.
According to Zoo Miami, giant river otters live in freshwater lakes, rivers and other bodies of water in tropical South America, where fur hunting and habitat destruction have reduced their numbers. The males can grow to a length of six feet and a weight of about 75 pounds. The otters eat fish and live in family groups of 10 to 20 animals. In the wild, they live about 12 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 21 years.
The pups and their parents will not appear in the exhibit for several weeks.