This otter cub is taking his first steps into water - but he doesn't yet know how to swim.  

Despite spending much of their life in rivers and streams, otter cubs have to be taught how to swim by their parents.

This 15-week-old is one of three at Bournemouth Aquarium who has just started taking lessons.

And Mo, Jess and Sophie, named after Team GB's Super Saturday Olympic Gold Medallists, are wasting no time showing off their new-found skills, twirling, somersaulting and playing in the water.

The trio are oriental small clawed otters, the smallest of the otter species, who spend a quarter of their day in streams and pools.

Holly Brennan, Oceanarium Otter Keeper, said: “I am so proud and impressed. Parents Stan and Roxy have been absolutely fantastic teaching Mo, Jess and Sophie basic life skills.

“We can’t wait to watch their confidence grow. Our viewing window provides an amazing opportunity to see the otters swimming underwater and we are sure our visitors will be totally engaged by these adorable animals. There is still so much more to come.”

Visitors will be able to see the otter cubs and their new found underwater antics in Oceanarium’s Otter Oasis display, with otter feeding presentations at 10:30am and 1:00pm daily.