Baby river otters born at Ohio zoo [Video]

The zoo is bubbling with excitement as it introduces its newest, and possibly cutest, residents: four North American river otter pups. 

Born to proud parents Tilly and Winston, who have been zoo residents for six years, the two male and two female pups made their grand entrance on Dec. 7.

While the gestation period for otters is only about two months, the fertilized eggs remain dormant for several months due to a process called delayed implantation. This ensures the pups are born during the optimal seasons of winter and spring, giving them the best chance to thrive.

Both Tilly and her pups are doing swimmingly well, receiving regular check-ups from the zoo’s keepers. For now, Winston is taking a temporary break from family duties, as female otters are the primary caregivers for …