Dubai: Cuddlesome to the extreme, four baby otters, or pups as they are called, are the latest additions to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo’s happy flock.
Spring time, which usually heralds the arrival of the little ones in the animal kingdom has increased the numbers at the aquarium and zoo and the otter babies, only a couple of months old, are ready for their first public swim.
The first of the four baby otters were to head out for their public introduction at 2:30pm on Thursday and they will be keeping up the appearances each day at 2:30pm throughout the school holidays.
Baby Otters off for a swim! Or not. These baby otters are swimming for the first time after being born on January 31 at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall but the family just can't make up its mind.
The debut swim of the baby otters will be broadcast live on Dubai Aquarium’s social channels @DubaiAquarium, via Facebook Live, InstaStories and SnapChat, so everyone can tune in and be part of the experience.
In addition to the otters, many more animals have recently had babies, with Dubai Aquarium now also home to the littlest hedgehogs, a black tip shark, bamboo sharks, clown fish, jelly fish and a fire-bellied toad.
To see all the new babies first-hand, book your tickets at www.thedubaiaquarium.com or call +971 4 448 5200 for more information.
The otter start in life:
Gestation lasts 60 to 64 days and typically results in two or three young ones.
Both parents care for the tiny pups, which are born toothless and with eyes closed.
Males provide food for nursing females.
By 40 days, the pups’ eyes open and, by 60 days, they start swimming actively.
Older offspring help raise the younger pups.
