29 April 2015
On 16 February, our giant otters welcomed new arrivals. Our breeding female, Alua, gave birth to two little pups, who have been lively and strong and are developing rapidly. Swimming training is currently in full swing in the otter enclosure, and Alua is being assisted by the breeding male and the cubs’ father, Yumbo. Their previous cub, Xingu (born 9 September 2013), is also still part of the family group and is now learning from his parents how to look after the cubs. The South American giant otter is categorised as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, and the species is feared to decline by 50 % over the next 20 years. The current wild population is estimated to number between 1,000 and 5,000 individuals (IUCN, 2006), and there are around 120 individuals in zoos. The cubs at Parken Zoo are therefore a vital contribution to the project to secure the future of their species.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoaFQcjAvQI&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWQMVqNIjU4&feature=youtu.be