Otter Cubs Form “Special Bond” at Devon Rescue Facility

An animal charity in Devon rescued two “terrified” otter cubs, who subsequently formed a “special bond.” The UK Wild Otter Trust reported that Mera and Pip developed a strong friendship while being raised at its rescue facility. The organization emphasized that pairing rescued otter cubs is “crucial” for their development, enabling them to learn from one another and collectively build confidence. According to the charity, upon the arrival of the two “tiny abandoned cubs,” described as “scared and alone,” volunteers at the center recognized their potential to form a “wonderful pair.” These otters have since been released into their natural habitat, though it is not confirmed whether they continue to live together as adults. Mera, one of the cubs, was discovered alone in a field near the River Deben in Suffolk when she was only 16 weeks old. Colin Sneddon, the charity’s director of otter welfare and rehabilitation, stated that Mera’s condition was “touch and go” upon her initial arrival, as she had been separated from her mother for an extended period. Mr. Sneddon added, “She required round-the-clock care and I spent several weeks hand-rearing her.” Pip, the second otter pup, was located a week subsequent to Mera’s discovery, found beneath an apple tree, and was transported to the sanctuary from Exeter. The charity reported that the otter pups were introduced to each other just before Christmas last year, once they were deemed “big and healthy enough.” Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust, commented: “Although it initially went quite well, they were still sleeping in separate holts and seemed a little unsure of each other. “But on Christmas Day I went to feed them and they both peeked out of the same holt.“Since then, Mera and Pip have thrived, displaying all the behaviours expected of healthy otters, and they very clearly have a lot of love for each other.” The UK Wild Otter Trust stated that its objective in rescuing cubs is to rehabilitate them for eventual release into the wild once they are prepared. Mr. Webb further explained, “Mera and Pip were released together in September after a year-long stint at our centre and they were strong and healthy enough to thrive on their own in the wild.” He concluded, “It’s thanks to our generous supporters that we can continue rescuing and releasing abandoned otter cubs like Mera and Pip – it costs £3,500 on average and takes a year to get them ready to live in the wild on their own.”