Newborn Canadian beavers take first steps outside

Four Canadian beavers have been born at AquaZoo. The Frisian zoo is one of the few places in Europe where cubs could be welcomed in 2021.

The foursome at AquaZoo came into the world in a burrow, in which they remain for 1 to 2 months. "By now they are also reaching the age where they carefully take their first steps outside the burrow to explore the entire enclosure," says head of animal care William Kreijkes.

Big sisterIn the process, the youngsters will be joined by their big sister. "She was born last summer and we notice that she is very drawn to the little ones. This way she can already gain some experience, should she have young of her own later on," Kreijkes said.

The Canadian beaver, Canada's national animal, is North America's largest rodent. It is very similar to the European beaver, two of which currently live in the Frisian countryside. These animals can be recognized by their grayish dark brown fur, hind legs with flippers and a large tail shaped like a paddle.