Potter Park Zoo welcomes new baby otters

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Three North American river otter pups were born in Lansing on Feb. 2.

Potter Park Zoo announced on Tuesday that their North American river otter named Nkeke had her fourth litter and her second set of triplets. The otter pups underwent a quick physical examination to assess their health and development. The zoo said the otters weighed 113 grams, 109 grams, and 96 grams

Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace said raising the triplets will have its challenges.

Nkeke was originally from the Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island and has been a resident of Potter Park Zoo since 2016.

The zoo said as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Nkeke and her habitat partner Miles were selected to breed, resulting in the birth of ten pups to date.

“We’re otterly overjoyed to welcome our newest otter trio to the zoo” said Zookeeper Carolyn Schulte. “Nkeke is an incredible mom, and she and her pups are doing well. We’re eagerly awaiting the chance to introduce these adorable otter pups to our wonderful community.”

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