Franklin part 3

Franklin was out on form over the weekend, but often behind the reeds and trees... many got a good view of him, but only a few managed to get any photographs. Some great shots are up on flickr if you have yet to see them!

Meanwhile, yesterday more swimming lessons... doesn't he look small in the water?

He is getting on very well, but still needs a helping hand from time to time. Dad Elwood seems to be helping out the most, or maybe he just thinks it's all a good game!

Tired out, and piggy back seems the way to go for Franklin. It won't be long till he is brave enough to come up on to the bank regularly with Emmy and Elwood, but he is growing fast! Being the only cub means he is larger then normal for his age, but very healthy.

Below is a video clip of them playing around, from a distance I'm afraid, but still thought you may like to see it.

Franklin part 2

OK, fair warning to you all, there could be a lot of otter pics over the next few days!.. Franklin was out today, and many a lucky photographer was here to take a few snaps. I have yet to look on flickr myself, but hopefully there will be some photos shared that people took today.

It looked like more swimming lessons were the agenda today, as mum continuously pushed Franklin in to the water. When first born, otters are afraid of the water, and so a very much "thrown in the deep end" attitude is taken by the mum to teach them how to swim.

He wasn't too keen, and so would try to scramble back out on to the bank. Only this time dad would grab hold of him and drag him back in again!

I always find it fascinating to watch our animals... In the wild, the father would be long gone, and so the mother would do all the rearing. You may imagine therefore that Elwood would play no part in looking after little Franklin, but as many saw today, he plays a very active role.

 Of course dad's best role is to just have fun, act the big kid, and play with the youngster... much to mum's annoyance.

The hard work and rest worked out though, as Franklin set off on a major swim across the width of the pond. He didn't quite make it, and had to veer off to the island half way across, but with practice and strength he will soon get there.

If you get the chance, do come in tomorrow (Sunday) to see little Franklin in action... he is adorable, and it will be your last chance until the week after Christmas.

For those that can't make it, fear not, as I have a few video clips I will piece together over the coming days to put up here for you to see.

Baby Otter, Franklin

Two months ago, Emmy gave birth to an otter cub. I said back then that he would probably start coming out towards the end of the Autumn half term, and that seems to be the case.

Yesterday he was seen by a few members of the public starting to swim. Of course we all ran down excitedly to see what he was up too, and managed to get a glimpse of him in the distance.

Today he has been on top form, and has been out for much of the day... he even made an appearance for the afternoon keeper talk, joining mum and dad on the bank for some food! I can't believe he is so settled already in front of people.

I sexed him a couple of weeks ago, and we named him "Franklin". He is the only cub of the litter, not unusual since it is Emmy's first time as a mum, and seems to be doing extremely well. He really is a chubby little thing...

I tried to get a few photos for you afterwork today, but completely forgot it gets dark so soon now. So these are not the best after sunset, but hopefully will tie you over till I can get something a bit better. Also keep an eye out on our Flickr group, I am sure a few of our members managed to get some much better photos of him today!

Otters can give birth anytime of year, so this is by no means a late litter. Little Franklin will stay with mum and dad in to next year, before we start to think about separating him out and introducing him to our spare otter pen.

Of course there are no guarantees, but if you want to try and see Franklin... this weekend is your last chance before we shut for weekends. Come Christmas week he will be quite a bit bigger! If he follows on anything like he has been today and yesterday, then I expect him to be out quite a bit these next few days.