The Seoul Facilities Corporation announced on the 8th that Eurasian otter twins were born at the Seoul Children's Grand Park Zoo in Gwangjin-gu on June 24.
The Eurasian otter was designated as a natural monument in 1982 in Korea. It is also classified as a first-class endangered wildlife species. Although it was commonly seen in mountain streams in northern regions in the past, its population has declined due to recent environmental issues. It is already believed to be extinct in Japan.
The parents of the baby otters are 'Sudol' (male) and 'Dalsun' (female). They were discovered in late 2022 in Daejeon and Buyeo, Chungnam, when they were not even one month old, and were donated to the Seoul Children's Grand Park by the Seoul Facilities Corporation last June.
The corporation has created an ecological otter habitat close to their natural habitat to ensure the stable settling of otters. The birth of the baby otters is expected to symbolize that the conservation of endangered species and the birth of lives can be achieved even in urban zoos if supported by systematic management.
The twin baby otters are reportedly growing healthily under the care of their mother in the otter habitat within the Marine Animal Pavilion. The corporation is providing special feed such as live catfish to the mother to aid in her recovery and nursing.
General citizens are expected to meet the baby otters around October. The corporation predicted that during this time, the twin otters will be observed swimming and playing in the external enclosure of the otter habitat along with their mother.
Korea Young, the director of the corporation, said, "The successful breeding of the Eurasian otter this time is a valuable result of the operation philosophy of the Seoul Children's Grand Park, which respects life, and the dedicated care from the corporation staff."
Meanwhile, the corporation plans to hold an online event for 'Naming the Otter Twins' on the Instagram of the Seoul Children's Grand Park to celebrate the birth of the baby otters starting August 12.