Saved From Life as Illegal Pets, 2 Otters and a Civet Find Peace in Sanctuary Home! (PHOTOS)

Humans’ relationship with animals is dysfunctional, to say the least. Despite the fact that we both live on the same planet and have each created our own unique and intelligent way of surviving, humans are convinced that they are the superior being. With this egotistical mindset, it’s no surprise that humans often exploit animals for entertainment, scientific advancements, fashion, or sometimes simply to keep as pets. Take the two otters and civet who recently arrived at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand‘s (WFFT) headquarters. The trio had all been kept as exotic pets, but as many owners eventually realize, wild animals are a handful to take care of. So after two years of selfishly housing these animals, the owner finally made the decision to drop these lil’ guys at the sanctuary. Like many otters and civets nowadays, these animals were likely illegally poached before being sold in the illegal wildlife trade.

On top of being frequently exploited, Asian small-clawed otters, like the ones rescued, are in severe decline due to habitat loss and are therefore considered endangered animals.

Civets are also abused for various reasons, including being kept as exotic pets, being used to make civet coffee or “kopi luwak,” and being captured for the bushmeat trade. 

The three animals are in relatively good health but all have been fed unsuitable diets for the past two years. 

WFFT is slowly transitioning them to an appropriate diet, and has given them much more room to explore than the wire cage they were used to! 

The civet has been named Steve, and the otters have been named Jessie and James! 

 The civet is now being housed in a large enclosure at the WFFT Nocturnal Forest Zone while the otters are now being housed in an enclosure with a large pool. They seem to be enjoying getting back to their aquatic adventures!

We wish these lil’ guys nothing but the best! 

Although the illegal poaching of otters, civets, and tons of other animals is a problem that still is far from being solved, we sure are glad that these otters have found a happy ending despite all of the pain they have had to endure. They will surely be leading much happier lives now in the safe and caring hands of WFFT. To learn more about Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, check out their website.

All Images Source: Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand/Facebook