Devon charity plans to build otter hospital

A charity based in north Devon has announced plans to build a new dedicated otter hospital to save and release wild cubs.

The UK Wild Otter Trust said it had already rescued 19 cubs and successfully released eight so far this year.

The organisation helps rehabilitate and release orphaned otter cubs after a year-long stay at its centre.

However, founder Dave Webb said it was running out of space to treat the numbers of wild animals needing help and staff were fundraising £2,000 to install, complete and kit out the new facility.

The charity, based in Umberleigh, in the area that inspired Henry Williamson's novel Tarka the Otter, was founded by Mr Webb 20 years ago.

It started with one hut in Mr Webb's garden, but now includes facilities such as a rehabilitation centre, and usually rescues about 30 orphaned otters a year.

Mr Webb said there was again need to expand.

He said: “We currently have six indoor cub rooms, which, unfortunately, isn’t enough for the numbers of otters we’re treating.

"Having additional space is vital to giving rescued cubs the best chance of rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

"Without the new otter hospital, we’ll really struggle to provide the animals with the treatment they need, which would be devastating."

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