Potter Park Zoo recently reported the birth of three North American river otter pups. The mother, Nkeke, gave birth on February 2, 2024. This is her fourth litter and her second set of triplets. The pups weighed between 96 and 113 grams at birth. After a quick health check, initial results appear positive. However, Dr. Ronan Eustace, the zoo’s Director of Animal Health, mentioned that caring for triplets can be difficult for otter mothers. The zoo will closely monitor the pups’ health and development.
Nkeke, who came from the Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, has lived at Potter Park Zoo since 2016. She shares her habitat with Miles, the pups’ father, who was born at the zoo in 2013. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan recommended Nkeke and Miles for breeding. They have produced ten pups so far.
The otter pups’ birth is notable due to a trait known as delayed implantation, common in about 100 mammal species, including river otters. This trait involves the fertilized egg remaining dormant in the uterus for an extended period before implantation. For river otters, this dormancy phase can last up to 273 days, followed by a typical gestation period of around 60 days.