COLCHESTER Zoo has announced the arrival of an adorable litter of six otter pups.

The short-clawed otter pups were born to mum Summer and dad Ravi in November but have only been spotted by the Animal Care Team in recent weeks after making their way outdoors.

Summer and Ravi were only introduced to each other in August but hit it off immediately.

A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said: "After a couple of days of settling in it was clear to the Animal Care Team that the pair were smitten with one another, so it is with great pleasure that we share the news that the pair have now become a family.

"After a gestation period of up to 72 days, Summer gave birth on the 22nd of November 2020 to a litter of six pups.

"The tiny pups have been staying in their nest under the watchful eye of mum and dad up until recently when they have become strong enough to head outside and explore.

"The Animal Care Team knew there were pups but hadn’t had sight of them until recent weeks so were excited to see how many emerged from the nest."

Here is a video of the otters the zoo posted on Twitter:

The pups are sticking close to mum and dad as they explore their enclosure and keepers say the couple are doing a great job as first-time parents.

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Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest of all otter species and have dark brown fur and cream markings often on their face.

They have webbed feet and as the name suggests, they also have very small claws.

Summer and Ravi are similar in size, with Summer being on the slender side and Ravi lighter in colouration.

The spokesman added: "The six pups vary slightly in size, but are all doing well.

"We do not yet know the sex of the pups, but we hope to find out soon with their 12 week health checks coming up.

"It’ll be at this time we will be able to start to think of names for the pups but do share your suggestions in the meantime."

Short-clawed otters are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red list.

The zoo remains closed during lockdown.

For updates, visit colchester-zoo.co.uk.