Here at West Lakeland Vets we have recently nursed an young otter pup back to health. Little Harrie (the otter) was brought to our Egremont surgery in a very cold and dehydrated state after being found in a garden near the river Irt. She had been observed by a local resident who was hoping that she would return to her mother, however it was obvious that without help the young otter would not survive.

Once assessed by one of our veterinary team. It was decided that although Harrie had no physical injuries, she was not well enough or old enough to go back to the wild on her own. 

After administering fluids initially, food by stomach tube and being warmed up, she shows signs of improvement. Little Harrie soon started to feel better and even ate some of the lovely fish smoothie we had been advised to give her. She is now doing well and eating small chunks of salmon (her favourite). Otter pups eat around 20% of their bodyweight every day!

We have received advice from the International Otter Survival Fund and they have kindly agreed to rear Harrie at their sanctuary on the Isle of Skye. Here she will be able grow up with another otter and learn the skills need to survive when she is eventually released in spring 2021.

If you would like to support the International Otter Survival fund, in their work to look after Harrie and other rescued otters then please consider making a donation on our just giving page.

To see learn about this charity please have a look at their website : https://www.otter.org/Public/