Otter cub found ‘barely clinging to life’ gets second chance thanks to rescuers

A hypothermic otter cub discovered ‘barely clinging to life’ by a dangerous main road near Taunton is now recuperating in North Devon.

Iris, named after being found with an eye injury, is making an incredible recovery after being found cold, weak and alone earlier this month, lethargic and suffering from hypothermia.

Thanks to the quick and kind actions of her rescuer, she was taken to Shepton Vets, where she received emergency supportive care and a thorough examination.

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After a night of rest and warmth, Iris was transferred to the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre for further treatment.

Staff discovered she had suffered an eye injury, which inspired her name, as well as bite wounds and scratches across her body. With time, care and gentle treatment, those wounds have now healed.

Above: Iris was found with an eye injury, hence her name, but her wounds have healed well. Credit: RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre

Once she was well enough to travel, Iris was transported to her new temporary home at the UK Wild Otter Trust in North Devon, where she’ll receive specialist long-term rehabilitation before eventually being released back into the wild when she’s healthy enough to survive on her own.

The trust is in the midst of preparing to dismantle and move everything to a new location after being given a six month deadline to leave its current premises – thanks to the North Devon community, £30,000 has now been raised to make that possible.

“Iris has already captured all our hearts,” said Lily Herniman, one of the animal assistant volunteers at the trust.

“She came to us at a really challenging time for the charity - we’ve recently been given just six months to relocate and start afresh. Despite that enormous pressure, our volunteers didn’t hesitate to step up. No matter what else is happening, the welfare of otters like Iris remains at the very heart of everything we do.”

The trust volunteers continue to care for Iris and other otters in need, even while managing the huge task of moving their entire operation to a new home.

Dave Webb, charity founder and CEO, added: “Every single cub we take in represents hope.

“For Iris, and for us as a small charity, this rescue shows what’s possible when compassion leads the way — even in the hardest times.”

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Iris is expected to remain in the charity’s care for up to a year, gaining strength and learning vital survival skills before returning to the wild where she belongs.

The trust team say they have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the public, whose donations raised more than £30,000 to ensure the charity could be saved and continue to rescue otters such as Iris.