Essex rescue centre saves life of three-week-old otter

The three-week-old pup was taken to Wildlives Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Frating Road, Thorrington, after being found by a member of the public near Deben Mill.

The passerby originally hoped the mother would come back for their youngling, but when they failed to show the worried animal lover eventually decided to call the RSCPA.

Thanks to the help of the Wildlives Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, however, the poor little otter is now safe and recovering. 

Rosie Catford, the founder of centre, said she has never had such a tiny otter brought to her facility.

She said: "It was brought to us by a member of the public.

"We've have had otters in before but not this tiny. They usually do not come out of the holt until much older.

"This one, its eyes are literally just opening."

safe and sound - the otter is now recovering at a wildlife centre in Thorrington (Image: PR)
Rosie has theorised the otter, who is showing signs of improvement and is taking its feeding bottle, was left abandonded by its mother during the recent wet weather.

"It is a mystery for something that young to be out within an area of no water," she added.

"I think what happened was its mother was taking her babies to dryer land during the wet weather and it somehow got left behind.

"Their holt probably flooded out because of all the rain."

The adorable creature will now remain at the centre until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

During its stay, an artificial holt will need to be built, giving the otter somewhere to nest before it will eventually be set free.

Although the otter is on the road to recovery, it wil most likely be a year before the youngling is allowed back in the wild. 

If you spot an animal in the wild that needs help, you can contact the RSPCA on its 24/7 emergency resue line - 0300 1234 999.