# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVa_2ZRjgTd
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/58246475-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/db000a04ca.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-03T12:12:14.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

On this #WorldWildlifeDay, we’re shining a spotlight on female North American river otter Maybelle – who currently resides in the Americas Pavilion of your Zoo. 

After observing moments of breeding between her and RJ in May of 2025, our Reproductive Science team has been carefully monitoring Maybelle’s progesterone (hormone levels). In mid-January of this year, her levels increased, meaning she could be pregnant. 

If she is expecting, we could see river otter pups arrive between March 18 and March 30 (give or take a few days). Our veterinary team may also be able to confirm a pregnancy via voluntary x-ray early this month.

However, with river otters, it’s not always simple. 

Did you know? River otters have embryonic diapause after breeding, which means the early stage embryos remain dormant for 7-10 months before they implant and start developing. But, these otters can also experience a condition called pseudopregnancy. This means their body goes through many of the same changes as a normal pregnancy, including hormone changes, even if there are no pups developing. Both physically and hormonally, it can look similar to a true pregnancy.  The only way to know for sure is to wait and see if pups are born or look for confirmation through other methods such as ultrasound or x-ray, both posing challenges when working with wild animals. 

If no pups arrive and by early April, hormone levels have returned to normal non-pregnant levels, it would likely mean she experienced a pseudopregnancy. 

Moments like this show just how complex and fascinating wildlife and reproductive biology can be. Monitoring Maybelle helps us better understand her species and improves the care and conservation of North American river otters in human care. 

At your Toronto Zoo, our work is also guided by our Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan, which reinforces our commitment to protecting Canadian species, advancing wildlife health science, and supporting conservation both locally and globally. 

Caring for animals like Maybelle helps ensure that Canadian wildlife will continue to thrive for generations to come.

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## Tags

worldwildlifeday

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