The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has welcomed an irresistibly cute new arrival — a tiny Asian small-clawed otter pup that’s already stealing hearts.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, announced last month that one of its otter pairs had welcomed a baby, adding another fluffy face to the zoo’s growing family. Around the same time, the zoo also introduced an adult male otter named Yuki.
Zoo staff shared a video of the newborn pup that quickly melted animal lovers’ hearts. In the clip, the tiny otter lets out squeaky noises while undergoing a routine health checkup, including having its weight and temperature measured. The pup’s tiny size and vocal protests only added to the cuteness.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
According to the zoo, the baby was born to Sebastian and Pintar, an otter pair that arrived at the zoo last spring. Head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf said the pup is most likely male and is developing right on schedule.
“At one month old, he weighed just under a pound and showed strong vigor, a round, healthy belly, and good overall condition,” Wolf said in a statement. “His eyes are still closed, which is normal at this stage.”
Asian small-clawed otters have a fascinating early development process. Their eyes typically don’t fully open until around 45 days after birth, and they aren’t able to regulate their own body temperature until roughly day 38. Independent movement usually begins between 39 and 50 days, and their full coats don’t come in until six to seven weeks old.