Storm orphan otters become firm friends at RSPCA centre
Cub found shivering at pub joins fellow otter
A pair of orphaned otter cubs rescued by the RSPCA have become firm friends after they were stranded in separate incidents during the recent storms.
Santon and Storm are being cared for at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire after they were both separated from their mothers in river storm surges.
Inspectors were called to collect a 12-week old female cub after she was discovered shivering and cold in a barn at the back of the pub called Santon Bridge in Holmerook, Cumbria on Sunday (12 January).
Lee Stewart, centre manager at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre said: “Santon was found along the River Irt following a massive storm just after New Year.
“The raging river must have washed the cub downstream following the heavy rains, separating her from her mother. The cub was found in a barn at the back of the pub all forlorn, cold and shivering.
“The owners of the pub took her in and cared for her over the next couple of days before calling the RSPCA. The chef was preparing her dishes of herring and salmon while she was there.
“Our other orphaned otter cub, Storm, has been at Stapeley since he was discovered by a member of the public after they heard loud squeaking noises while out walking near the banks of an estuary in Gwynedd on Boxing Day.
“We have now introduced Santon and Storm and they are doing really well, albeit a little nervous of each other. They are both on a diet of trout and really enjoying it.”
“The next stage will be to send them to the New Forest Wildlife Park where they will remain until they are big and independent enough to fend for themselves. When ready they will be returned back to the wild.”
Lee added: “We would like to remind people that before touching any baby wild animal, we always advise monitoring first to check that it is genuinely orphaned or abandoned, as mum is often nearby and waiting for you to leave.”
"If you are concerned for the welfare of a young wild animal that seems to be alone, please watch from a distance and call the RSPCA’s Cruelty & Advice line on 0300 1234 999".
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Photos and images available on request
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