As one otter leaves, Skye-based rescuers welcome new arrival
The Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) has overseen the release back to the wild of one of its most recent rescues.
Sparky the otter had been rescued as a cub near Mallaig. Last week, ready to be released, IOSF staff transported him back to the rocky Lochaber coastline near Mallaig where he had been found.
‘By far, our favourite part of the rehabilitation work is releasing the otters back to the wild to where they belong. This time, it was the turn of the charismatic Sparky, to return to his natural habitat,’ said IOSF in a statement. ‘It was a beautiful day for Sparky’s release. Despite it being the start of November, we were greeted with a warm, sunny day as we sailed over to Mallaig.
‘Following the sail, we drove to his new home with beautiful rocky coastlines and sheltered bays – the perfect place for Sparky.
‘He was a bit reluctant coming out of his box but eventually he came out to explore – over the seaweed, in amongst the rocks and finally into the water. We watched for a while then left him in peace to his new life.’
Just as the IOSF team thought it was now down to three otters at the sanctuary, another call came in. ‘In the evening, we had a call about a little cub screaming near Broadford. We know the area well and it is quite a way from the sea, so how it came to be there we don’t know, but the poor cub was clearly in distress,’ said the team. ‘Ben went up and waited a while to see if mum would appear but as it was cold and dark he decided it was best to bring it back. The cub was a bit lethargic and cold but after some liquids, rest and a warm night it was more active in the morning.
‘It only has tiny teeth so it is on milk which it is taking fairly well. It is clearly early days for this little one but we will keep you informed. So just as Sparky leaves us, a new otter enters our life.’