Female smooth otter dies at Dresden Zoo

Dresden Zoo is mourning the loss of its female smooth-coated otter Diyala. The three-year-old animal was found dead in the indoor enclosure at the weekend, the zoo announced. Diyala had been her usual agile self the day before and had shown no signs of a reduced general condition. A pathological examination has been initiated.

The loss of the female is all the more serious because Diyala had been caring for four young animals (two males and two females) since January 24. "The six-week-old otter cubs are not only the first cubs of our couple Diyala and Ravi, but also the first German offspring of this endangered species," said a statement from the zoo. The otter pups have now been placed in the care of the zookeepers for further rearing, who regularly provide them with replacement milk.