Rare giant otter cub born at New Forest Wildlife Park, Ashurst

There has been a rare new arrival at a New Forest animal park.

Giant otter cub Ari Rana has been welcomed into the world at New Forest Wildlife Park in Ashurst.

The youngster’s arrival has been hailed as “particularly significant” by the park, not just because of its endangered species status, but because father Simuni at 14 is the oldest giant otter in Europe to sire young.

Now just over 15 weeks old, her name translates to ‘water jaguar’ in the South American tribal language of Tupi.

She can be seen out and about in her enclosure with Simuni, mother Ibera and siblings Karanambu, Guapo and Acari, bringing the park's total number of giant otters to eight.

A spokesperson for the park said: “We are thrilled with the arrival of Ari Rana, marking our third successful litter of giant otter cubs.

“We are very proud to be committed to the conservation of this endangered species, as every birth is a positive step towards securing their future.”

Giant otters are the largest of the 13 otter species and can reach up to six feet in length. They are native to the Amazon where their decline has been attributed to the loss of natural habitats and historical hunting for their valuable pelts.

As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, the park contributes to global conservation and education efforts.

It is shining a light on the extinction of wildlife and the urgent need for conservation with its half-term ‘Spooky Species’ campaign, which includes additional interactive activities, animal artefact tables, crafts and a pumpkin design competition.

For more on the park’s conservation work visit www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk