Two orphaned otter cubs, whose mothers were tragically killed, were saved from certain death thanks to their rescue, the UK Wild Otter Trust has reported. The cubs, a female named Tinsel and a male named Star, were found in Norfolk and Wiltshire, respectively, and were in desperate need of help when they were discovered.
Tinsel and Star are now receiving round-the-clock care at the North Devon sanctuary, where they will stay until they are old enough to be released back into their natural habitat. According to Dave Webb, the founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust, “Without being found, both would have perished. These cubs are incredibly vulnerable at this stage of their lives, and the trust is providing them with the necessary care and attention to ensure their survival.”
At present, the cubs are between two and four months old and have transitioned from a liquid diet to eating mashed trout, a significant milestone in their recovery. They will remain in the sanctuary for around 12 more months, with the plan to release them once they reach the age of 14 months, when they will be better equipped to survive on their own in the wild.
The rescue of Tinsel and Star highlights the ongoing challenges faced by otters and other wildlife in the UK, as well as the important work of wildlife trusts in providing sanctuary and care for animals in need.