What is the status of the giant otter population in the wild?

The giant otters are facing increasing threats in their native Amazon basin habitat, including habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and pollution.

How many giant otters are in captivity in the UK?

As of October 20th, 2025, the New Forest Wildlife Park's giant otter population has grown to over half of the UK's entire captive population of 21 individuals.

What is the significance of the three new giant otter cubs born at the New Forest Wildlife Park?

The birth of the three new cubs at the New Forest Wildlife Park marks a significant milestone in the fight to save the giant otter, a species teetering on the brink of extinction in the wild.

Home / Environment / Captive Breeding Boosts Endangered Giant Otter Population

Captive Breeding Boosts Endangered Giant Otter Population

20 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Three giant otter cubs born at New Forest Wildlife Park
Otters face threats like habitat loss, hunting, and pollution in the wild
Park's population now over half of UK's entire captive giant otter population

Captive Breeding Boosts Endangered Giant Otter Population

In a significant development for the conservation of endangered giant otters, the New Forest Wildlife Park has welcomed the birth of three giant otter cubs through its breeding program. As of October 20th, 2025, the park's giant otter population has now grown to over half of the UK's entire captive population of 21 individuals.

The newborn cubs, born to parents Ibera and Simuni on August 2nd, 2025, have passed their health checks and are thriving under the care of the park's dedicated team. This latest addition marks another important step in the ongoing efforts to protect the giant otter, a species facing increasing threats in its native Amazon basin habitat.

Giant otters are native to the Amazon region and are endangered due to a range of factors, including habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and pollution. The successful breeding program at the New Forest Wildlife Park has provided a crucial lifeline for this remarkable species, offering hope for its long-term survival.