Rescued otter cubs enjoy festive fun with donated Christmas trees

Otter cubs in North Devon are thriving thanks to a unique form of enrichment; donated Christmas trees. 

The UK Wild Otter Trust, based in Umberleigh, has received over 160 natural trees from the public after a festive appeal, transforming the cubs’ environment and stimulating their senses.

The Trust, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and injured otter cubs from all over the UK, extended its heartfelt thanks to locals who generously contributed their trees after the holiday season. 

The Trust told the Gazette: “It turns out the otter cubs at the charity absolutely love them. The trees provide an exciting play area for the cubs and help stimulate their senses through their textures and smells.”

Christmas trees, with their unique textures and smells, provide both fun and essential sensory stimulation for the 30 otter cubs currently in the charity’s care. 

The rescued cubs, often orphaned after their mothers are killed on roads, find comfort and joy in the donated greenery.

Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust, explained the benefits: “The cubs really enjoy playing with the trees - hiding in them, climbing over them, and exploring their new environment. It’s a fantastic form of enrichment. Many people aren’t sure what to do with their Christmas trees once the holiday season is over, so by offering to collect them, we were able to provide an easy and environmentally-friendly solution. We’re thrilled to have received more than 60 trees, and with 30 otter cubs currently in our care, there’s no shortage of fun for them!”

The UK Wild Otter Trust is a volunteer-run charity that relies heavily on public support and grants to carry out its crucial work. 

In addition to providing enrichment, the donated trees help the organisation save on costs while supporting sustainable recycling efforts.

Dave Webb continued: “We’re so grateful to everyone who donated a tree. It’s not just a great way to recycle, it directly helps the otters and supports our ongoing rescue work.”