Orphaned Otter Makes an Incredible (and Adorable) Recovery Thanks to Rescuers (PHOTOS)

The Scottish SPCA was alerted when someone found an orphaned otter cub off the coast of Perthshire, Scotland in early February. The eight-week-old cub was lucky to have survived through the night alone in the cold. Staff with the Scottish SPCA have named the adorable little girl Dipper, and she is going to remain in their care until she reaches one year of age and can be returned to the wild.

“The gentleman who called us had noticed Dipper the night before but rightly left her alone to give her mum a chance to return,” said Colin Seddon, manager at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre. “However, when he checked again the next morning she was still there distressed and calling out.”

Thanks to the quick action of this Good Samaritan and the SPCA, Dipper is going to make a full recovery.

“She was extremely weak but after fluid therapy we’re delighted to say she is doing much better,” said Seddon. “She is now stronger, feeding well from her bottle and wants to play, which we would expect for a cub of her age.”

Otters used to be relatively common across the U.K., but pesticide pollution in waterways virtually eliminated this species from most of England and Wales. Thankfully, Scotland’s clean waters allowed the population to recover. In 2003, the Scottish population of otters was estimated to be around 8,000 individuals.

We’re happy Dipper is in great hands until she can be returned to the wild. Seeing her adorable pictures, we’re so pleased this little girl is getting the wonderful care she needs and deserves.

NOTE: As an important note, do not try to help wildlife of any sort unless you are trained. Find a local wildlife rehabber/rescuer or veterinarian ASAP, or call a rescue hotline. Here are some that might help!”

Image source: Scottish SPCA/Facebook.