Press Release Archive

Contact: Aimee Yamamori, Director of Media and Public Relations, Phoenix Zoo
            (602) 914-4305 or pager (602) 223-8222

Date:     November 16, 2006

PHOENIX ZOO INTRODUCES OTTER BABY

A Spotted-necked otter pup born on August 15 will make his public debut this Friday, November 17, 2006, at the Phoenix Zoo.  This is the first otter of its kind born at the Zoo and a significant birth for the captive population. 
 The male otter pup, named Hasani, has been off exhibit with its mother since he was born back in August.  This gave the pup time to grow larger and stronger before going on exhibit where he will learn to swim with his mom.  Hasani's mother is a five year-old female named Kima, and the father is seven year-old Biko. The pair came to the Phoenix Zoo in April of 2004 on a breeding loan from the San Diego Zoo. Kima and Biko had a litter in February of 2006, but the two pups did not survive.
 Mom and pup have been doing a few trial days on exhibit in preparation for his debut, and zookeepers have spotted Kima teaching Hasani to swim over the past week.  They will be on exhibit daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will remain separate from the male otter until Hasani can safely negotiate his pond on exhibit.

Otter Pup
 Spotted-necked otters are native to southern Africa, and can be found in streams and lakes south of the Sahara.  This otter gets its name from the irregular whitish markings that can be found on its neck and belly.  The markings are unique to each otter. 
 Spotted-necked otters are some of the most proficient swimmers.  They spend a good amount of their time in the water, and are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.  Spotted-necked otters can weigh about 10-12 pounds and are about 25-30 inches-long.  They will eat mostly fish, but also feed on crabs, frogs and clams and only hunt and eat twice a day in the wild; at dawn and dusk.
 Spotted-necked otters are not endangered, but the species is considered vulnerable and is rarely seen in the wild.  The otter's numbers are at risk due to hunting, wetland loss, fishing nets and pollution.  Including Hasani, there are currently 22 spotted-necked otters in North American zoos.
 The spotted necked mom and pup can be seen daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Zoo's Africa Trail.  The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park. For more information call 602-273-1341 or visit phoenixzoo.org

Things You Oughta Know About Otters!

  Spotted-necked otters are native to Africa.   The are carnivores, and also considered a mammal. 
  Spotted necked otters are about 24 inches-long and can weigh up to nine pounds when full-grown.
  Spotted-necked otters make their homes in rivers, lakes, and swamps near plains and mountains.
  Spotted-necked otters eat fish, crabs and frogs.
  Spotted-necked otters are excellent swimmers and divers.  The also have a nearly water-proof coat, and an inner coat of fur that can trap air bubbles for insulation. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
  This otter's nose acts as a snorkel when swimming.  The nose is high on the otter's head so the animal can still breathe easily while swimming.
  Otters have excellent underwater vision that helps them easily locate their food.
  Young otters help each other learn.  They will toss food into the water and race after it, which helps them prepare for hunting and catching their food.
  Otters 'talk.' They make a high squeak as a warning call and a chirping sound to ask other otters, "where are you?"