News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
January 14, 2022
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Note: Video of the otter pups may be downloaded here.

 
Asian Small-clawed Otter Pups Born at Brookfield Zoo
 
Brookfield, Ill. — The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is happy to announce the birth of six Asian small-clawed otter pups on November 18, 2021. Since their birth, the otter-ly adorable and playful pups have been growing and bonding behind the scenes with their parents, Pearl and Adhi (pronounced AHH-dee). Guests will be able to see the two male and four female pups exploring their habitat in Tropic World: Asia once they are eating solid foods and have become proficient swimmers.

Pearl and Adhi, who are both 4 years old, are first-time parents, but they each have experience with helping to raise their siblings at other accredited zoos prior to arriving at Brookfield Zoo. They are very attentive to their offspring—mom making sure all the pups are nursing and dad bringing his mate fish and introducing fish to the pups, even though they haven’t yet begun to eat solid food. Otter pairs remain together for life and both parents help raise the young. Siblings help raise subsequent litters, and females can even begin lactating to nurse their younger siblings.

Pearl arrived at Brookfield Zoo in October 2020 and Adhi in August 2021. Their pairing was based on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Asian Small-clawed Otter Species Survival Plan (SSP). An SSP is a cooperative population management and conservation program for select species in accredited North American zoos and aquariums. Each plan manages the breeding of a species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. The last Asian small-clawed otter births at Brookfield Zoo occurred in 2005.

The smallest of the otter species, Asian small-clawed otters are native to Indonesia, southern China, southern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Population numbers are declining due to several threats, including residential and commercial development, deforestation, the illegal pet trade, pollution, climate change, and poaching.

Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, as a precaution and for the safety of the animals, Tropic World is currently closed. It is recommended for guests to read the complete list of protocols and updates at CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo prior to visiting Brookfield Zoo.

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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. The zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.
 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Media Relations Manager
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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