A Joyous Arrival: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Welcomes Otter Pups
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) is celebrating a delightful new addition to its otter family. On December 5, three male Asian small-clawed otter pups were born, marking a significant milestone for first-time parents Milli and Binx.
Weighing just slightly less than an apple, the pups measured 66.77 grams, 89.21 grams, and 81.38 grams upon birth. The aquarium, a part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is thrilled with the successful birth.
Otter keepers Kristen Upton and Sarah Thomas were the first to notice the new arrivals. While monitoring the nesting box, they heard distinct chirping sounds from the den, indicating Milli’s successful delivery. “We were thrilled when we began hearing pup chirps coming from their nesting box,” Upton remarked.
Introducing Milli and Binx
Milli, a 7-year-old otter from Hong Kong, joined the Aquarium in January 2024. She was born to parents rescued by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Her mate, Binx, was brought in from a Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility in the fall of 2024. Pregnancies in this otter species are often difficult to detect, and stillbirths are not uncommon, making this birth especially joyous.
As first-time parents, Milli and Binx have shown remarkable attentiveness to their pups. The aquarium’s otter team is ensuring a supportive environment, allowing the family to thrive. Currently, the otter family is being closely monitored behind the scenes.
Genetic Significance and Conservation Efforts
The birth of these pups is a vital success for the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. Milli, one of only nine breeding females in the U.S. SSP, offers unique genetic diversity as her parents were wild-caught in Hong Kong. This makes her offspring the most genetically significant Asian small-clawed otters within the SSP.
“Milli and Binx have really delighted visitors to the Aquarium as they scamper through their habitat and spin and twirl in the water,” said Joanna Zazzali, director of NCAFF. “Milli comes to us with an incredible history already, so it is wonderful to tell the next chapter of her story.”
The Asian small-clawed otter, native to regions like Indonesia and Southeast Asia, faces threats from habitat loss and illegal trade. These otters are classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Continuing the Legacy
The NCAFF has a history of successful otter births. Previously, the aquarium’s first otter pair, Leia and Quincy, brought forth multiple litters in 2022 and 2023. The facility is accredited by the AZA, a nonprofit organization focused on conservation, animal welfare, and education.
To follow the otter family’s journey, visit the NCAFF’s Facebook, Threads, and Instagram pages.
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