Image Gallery: Otter Pups Get a Checkup

Public Debut

Otters born at Perth Zoo.

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

The first otters born at Perth Zoo, in Western Australia, in 18 years made their public debut on Sept. 17, 2012, during a health checkup by the zoo's veterinary staff.

Baby Otter!

Otters born at Perth Zoo.

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

The otter pups were born on June 19, 2012. Shown here, an 8-week old pup at Perth Zoo.

Peeking Out Of Their Home

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

The pups are starting to become more active and adventurous, exploring their enclosure at the zoo.

What's Going On?

Otters born at Perth Zoo.

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

The otters are native to freshwater streams, rivers, creeks and coastal regions in Indonesia, southern China, southern India, the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Time For A Checkup

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

At thirteen weeks old, the otters received a health checkup and vaccination.

Wave Hello!

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of the world's 13 otter species, typically weighing just under eight pounds (3.5 kilograms) when fully grown.

Family Gathering

(Image credit: Perth Zoo)

The species, which faces habitat loss in the wild, is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Live Science Staff
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