New Forest Wildlife Park welcomes two cubs of a threatened otter species
Two of the world's most threatened otter species have been welcomed by the only successful breeding pair in the UK
New Forest Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two male smooth-coated otter cubs from the only successful breeding pair in the UK.
The species is one of the world's most threatened otter species with populations plummeting by 30% over the past three decades.
The cubs are reportedly thriving under care from parents Soriah (11) and Song (13).
James Palmer, Curator, said: ""We're not just celebrating two healthy cubs, we're contributing to the genetic diversity for a species that's vanishing from Southeast Asian waterways at an alarming rate.
"With only our pair successfully breeding in the UK, these births carry the weight of the UK’s conservation programme."
Born on 7th December 2025, the cubs strengthen the genetic pool for smooth-coated otters; whose wild populations have plummeted 30% over the past three decades, with another 30% decline predicted by 2054.
Soriah and Song are also parents to Anupa and Ananda, both seven, and Banhhea, a one-year-old.
Lizzy McNamara, Senior Keeper, said: "Females are dominant and mum runs this romp, but everyone pitches in with babysitting, teaching swimming, exploring together.
"Even Anupa, the spoilt mummy's boy, now gives his fish to Soriah while she's nursing."
The "strong cubs" took their first swim on 23rd January and passed their health checks at the end of January.
The health checks were described as a "very noisy" affair where one cub urinated on keepers in classic otter fashion.
Keepers have shared detailed measurements and photographs with their contacts in Southeast Asia since the cubs were 12 days old.