25 July 2012 Last updated at 11:48 ET

Otters at Chester Zoo named after Olympic hopefuls

Vets at the zoo gave the pair a health check on Wednesday

Two baby otters born at Chester Zoo have been named after British Olympic medal hopefuls.

The two Asian short-clawed otters were named Daley, after diver Tom Daley, and Rebecca, in honour of swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

Daley and Rebecca were born in May but were given their first health checks on Wednesday.

Vets at the Cheshire zoo determined their sexes, weighed them and gave them a physical examination.

Keeper Hannah Sievewright said: "These are one of the zoo's most adept species in the water and so we thought it was very apt to name our new-born pups after two of our best athletes from the (swimming) pool."

Veterinary officer Livia Benato said: "We're delighted to say that our otter pups are in great shape.

"Daley weighed in at 352g and Rebecca was a little heavier at 380g.

"They both appear really healthy and so we are very, very happy with them.

"As they grow and gain confidence, we're all looking forward to seeing them splash around in the water."

Asian short-clawed otters - the world's smallest otter species - are classed by conservation organisations as vulnerable to extinction.

Daley and Rebecca will take part in a breeding programme to provide an important safety net to populations in the wild.