Baby otters born at London Zoo during lockdown make first appearance in public

Ellena Cruse24 June 2020

Two otter babies have made their first public appearance after being born at London Zoo during the lockdown.

The pups, who have been named Bubble and Squeak by keepers, were born on April 15 while the venue was closed to the public.

As the zoo reopened its doors to the public this week, the pair – along with their first-time parents Pip and Mathilda – ventured out of their indoor holt for the first time.

Speaking about the Asian short-clawed otter babies, senior zookeeper Laura Garrett said the public will be able to see them playing on their private riverbank.

The Asian short-clawed otter pups (left) were the first animals born during lockdown at London Zoo back in April
PA

“Bubble and Squeak caused so much excitement when they arrived in April," she said.

"The first animals born at the zoo during lockdown, they boosted the morale of our hard-working zookeeper team and everyone has been waiting eagerly for them to emerge from their holt ever since.

Bubble and Squeak have been exploring outside for the first time at a newly reopened zoo
PA

“We set up cameras to monitor their progress and were overjoyed when we spotted Pip and Mathilda finally carrying them outside.

"Otter pups don’t leave the family holt for at least the first six weeks of their lives, so they’re perfectly on schedule.”

Keepers will not discover the sex of the pair until they are given their first health check.

The Asian short-clawed otter pups have delighted zoo keepers
PA

In the first months of their lives, they are being left to bond with their parents without human interference, with keepers leaving crayfish and sprats for them to eat near the entrance of their holt.

Ms Garrett added: “Both Pip and Mathilda are very paws-on parents and have been devoted to their pups, barely leaving their side.

“We’re so pleased that the zoo has reopened in time for the public to see the whole family start to playfully explore together on their private riverbank.”

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