Perth Zoo’s new Asian small-clawed otter pups pass first examination with flying colours

Four of Perth Zoo’s ‘otterly’ adorable new additions have passed their first veterinary health check with flying colours.

The litter of endangered Asian small-clawed otter pups, who are now just over two-months-old, underwent a general health exam and had their eyes, ears and teeth checked.

Staff at the zoo were also able to confirm the gender of the pups, revealing the littler contained three boys and one girl.

A spokeswoman said the parents were brought to the Perth Zoo as part of a coordinated breeding program to help safeguard the species against extinction.

Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable to extinction, with their cute looks making them a target for illegal wildlife traffickers.

The pups were named with the help of a competition open to the public, with the three boys called Ulani (meaning cheerful in Laos), Amir (king in Malay) and Tom (puddle in Laos).

The girl has been called Botum, meaning princess in Cambodian.

The pups all tip the scales at between 40g and 50g.