Bảo, center, sticks close to his parents, Sebastian and Pintar. Photo: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
We're obsessed with these pics of Bao, the new Asian small-clawed otter pup at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
The male pup's name means "treasure" and "precious" in Vietnamese (spelled "Bảo"), zoo officials said when announcing the name last week.
Bao was born weighing a mere half pound in November, but had grown to 2.3 pounds as of last week.
He's now opening his eyes, mouthing solid foods and swimming alongside his parents, Sebastian and Pintar, zoo officials say.
What's next: Bao's staying behind the scenes for now and is not yet on public display, as he "continues to grow, bond with his parents, and wait for the weather to improve," the zoo says on its blog.
Baby Bảo is now swimming and mouthing solid foods. Photo courtesy of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium