Mixed emotions as New Forest Wildlife Park at Ashurst announces birth of rare giant otter cubs
A WILDLIFE park in the New Forest which specialises in endangered species has proudly announced the birth of four rare giant otter cubs.
But the news of the significant conservation achievement was tinged with the sadness that two of the quadruplets had died since their surprise arrival on Christmas Day.
The New Forest Wildlife Park at Ashurst said the litter marked the second successful birth for otter couple Simuni and Ibera, who last year produced Karanambu.
The park is a sanctuary for a wide range of species, focusing on the conservation and protection of native and endangered wildlife, and is a proud affiliate of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria European Endangered Species Programme for the conservation of giant otters.
Native to the Amazon's lush forests and meandering rivers, giant otters stand as the largest among the 13 otter species, growing up to 6ft long. Known for their playful nature and expert fishing skills, these magnificent creatures primarily feast on fish, including the fearsome piranha.
But habitat loss and hunting for their luxurious fur have led to a significant decline in their population.
The new cubs were given names to celebrate their cultural and ecological significance.
Guapo, the only male, means handsome in Spanish, Acari is a river in the otters’ native Brazilian state of Amazonas, Laguna was an area in Argentina’s national park noted for its giant otter presence in the 1800s, and Runa is short for Yakuruna, mythical creatures of the Amazon basin.
The park is run by general manager Ed Heap and animal manager Adam Ford, with Jason Palmer the curator of collections at Ashurst and its sister site, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
Jason said: “With only 124 giant otters reported in zoos globally – 76 in Europe and just 21 in the UK –New Forest Wildlife Park is now home to seven, accounting for nearly half of the UK’s giant otter population. This achievement underscores the extensive expertise and dedication of the Heap family and the exceptional care and experience of our keeper team.”
"However, it is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the cycle of life and nature's inherent challenges, as we report the passing of two cubs, Laguna and Runa. Their loss is a reminder of the delicate balance in the conservation of these magnificent creatures and the high cub mortality rate among giant otters.
“Our commitment to the protection and study of giant otters remains unwavering, as we honour the lives of Laguna and Runa and the ongoing journey of their siblings."
