Abandoned otter pup gets temporary home at Jacksonville Zoo

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomes a North American River Otter after it was found abandoned.

The five-day-old otter was found abandoned in the middle of the road. The pup was taken to the St. Johns Veterinary Hospital in St. Augustine, where it was then transferred over to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The staff at the zoo are thrilled to provide the initial care for the pup, said zoo officials. The otter will then be taken to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Yesterday, a 5 day old North American River otter was found abandoned in the middle of the road. She was transferred from St. John's Veterinary Hospital over to the Jacksonville Zoo! We are thrilled to lend a hand in her care! Fun Fact: Did you know that baby otters are called pups or kits. These fuzzy friends don't learn to swim until they are about 2 months old, when their mother pushes them into the water! Don't worry though these guys are natural swimmers! #riverotter #wildlife #floridawildlife #saveananimallife #goodsamaratan #conservation #wildlifeconservation

A photo posted by Jacksonville Zoo (@jacksonvillezoo) on Jan 7, 2016 at 6:46am PST

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