Four River Otter Pups Get Their First Wellness Check Today at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – May 17, 2023 – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is happy to announce that the four North American river otter pups born on March 23 received their first wellness check today, and all are healthy and growing as expected. Zoo Veterinarian Timothy Plunkett examined each pup, checking their teeth, hearts and body condition, and then administered vaccines. The pups were weighed and microchipped for identification throughout their lifetimes. 
 
There are two males, and two females, ranging in size from two and a half to two and three quarters pounds each. The seven-week-old pups are still in seclusion with their mother, Tahu, but are expected to begin venturing out into the habitat within the next few weeks. The river otter pups’ birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population for the long-term future. 
 
“River otters are extremely active and playful animals so it will be a great deal of fun for guests to watch the four pups grow,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “The connection guests make with the otter pups encourages them to care about protecting wild animals and wild places, a key part of the Zoo’s mission.” 

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The River Otter Habitat and live Otter Cam is sponsored by Bridgeport Hospital.  
 
About North American River Otters
As a species, river otters have suffered from habitat loss, water pollution and fur trapping. Their numbers are on the rise due to reintroduction programs in parts of the U.S., better water quality, and protection of their habitat.
 
River otters, members of the weasel family, can run on land as well as swim. They are playful and agile athletes, sliding down hills of mud or snow to land with a splash in water. Their tail is muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter’s body length. They can move through the water as fast as eight miles per hour and can dive to 36 feet. Found throughout most of North America, the river otter lives in aquatic habitats: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. They prefer unpolluted water with minimal human disturbance. 
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves.  Other highlights include our new Andean Bear Habitat, Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove.  As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. ​

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