This past September, beachgoers taking a walk along the shoreline in Beadnell, England, stopped short when they spotted a wet brown animal on the rocks.
The Good Samaritans recognized the little animal as a baby otter. Unsure what to do, they contacted B for help. The finders stood near the otter cub for over an hour, keeping her safe from danger as they waited for rescuers to arrive.
Meanwhile, Blyth Wildlife Rescue founder John Anderson and senior medic Teri Charlton raced up the coast, eager to get the otter to safety. At first, rescuers feared the worst for the otter, who was underweight and suffering from hypothermia and hypoglycemia. They suspected she was likely separated from her mother during Storm Floris, which struck northern Europe in August.
The rescuers named the otter Floris as a nod to the storm. They hurried her to a veterinarian, where she began receiving lifesaving care, including fluid therapy and milk feeds.
Thankfully, Floris recovered faster than anyone expected.
“Floris performed an incredible turnaround,” Anderson told The Dodo. “[She] made her progress very clear to her carers, changing rapidly from a docile and lethargic patient to a hissy and feisty survivor with little interest in further human interactions.”
Weeks went by, and Floris continued to thrive. She learned how to catch her own fish, an important step, which ensured she could increase her body weight and maintain distance from her human carers.
Today, Floris is happy in Scotland, at the’s wildlife facility, where she lives with other rescued otters of a similar age. Next autumn, Floris and her friends will be released back into the wild together.
Anderson is glad that Floris’ story has a happy ending. He hopes this tale encourages community members to contact a wildlife rescue organization if they ever see an otter in need, rather than trying to intervene themselves.
“As Floris grows stronger and more confident, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation,” the rescue wrote. “We’re proud to have played a part in her journey back to the wild.”
To help other animals like Floris