The otter pups. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Hangzhou Safari Park has welcomed a rare birth: an otter mother delivered seven healthy pups on Aug 13, breaking the park's previous breeding record.

The septuplets are affectionately nicknamed by keepers the Calabash Brothers, which was inspired by a Chinese animation TV series of the same name about the stories of seven gourd brothers born from a magical calabash seed. The otter pups are now on public display.

Keepers say the mother has shown remarkable dedication despite the challenge of nursing seven pups with only four teats. She patiently feeds them in turns to ensure each gets enough nutrition. One keeper recalled being deeply moved when, a month after birth, the mother proudly carried each pup over for her to see.

To support the mother's heavy demands, staff provide a high-nutrition diet and closely monitor each pup's growth. The young otters have recently started learning to eat on their own, with keepers introducing nutrient-rich loach pieces.

The septuplets, with their bright eyes and soft chirps, are already charming visitors. At the otter exhibit, guests can now observe the lively pups playing and bonding with their devoted mother — a heartwarming sight at Hangzhou Safari Park.

The otter pups and their mother. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]