Two Asian small-clawed otters have been added to the Reid Park Zoo.
Berani, a 3-year-old male, and Little Frei, a 7-year-old female, were introduced to each other last week and “have been getting along very well,” zoo officials said in a news release.
A pair of Asian small-clawed otters — Berani and Little Frei — have been “getting along well” since their introduction last week and are now on public display at Reid Park Zoo.
They are now on display.
“The otters explored their new habitat for the first time (Wednesday), investigating the water features and picking umbrella grass to add to their bedding,” Adam Ramsey, the zoo’s director of animal care said in a news release. “We’re excited for guests to come out and see them as they settle in.”
Little Frei, the more outgoing of the pair, has a “lengthy tail, sharper snout, and light brown neck,” the release said.
Watermelon Wednesday is wildly popular at Tucson's Reid Park Zoo. The special treats are delivered to a set of animals every Wednesday in July, and can include watermelon slices and popsicles. Video by Grace Trejo, Arizona Daily Star
Berani is described as “stout” and “stubby.” His muzzle is lighter, and he has white on his body and chin.
“He’s been more shy than Little Frei up to this point, but was the first otter to emerge to explore the new space,” Ramsey said in the release.
Berani and Little Frei will move into a brand new habitat once the zoo completes its expansion, Pathway to Asia. That habitat will include a stream, waterfall, and rockwork, the release said.
In the wild, Asian small-clawed otters are considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction, depletion of food sources, and wildlife trafficking, the zoo said.
