Otter cub rescued from Colchester Zoo's flamingo enclosure
"When he was found, we gave him a few hours to see if mum would reappear," added Ms Bedford."Knowing otters, it's odd behaviour to see a pup out in the open like he was. "He seemed very strong and was very vocal when awake."The smooth-coated otters habitat is just across the path from the Chilean flamingos section at Colchester Zoo - but the otter pup was not one of theirs.Dave Webb, UKWOT founder, said: "We're still baffled as to how Mingo ended up in the flamingo habitat - it's a total mystery."
'Second chance'
He added: "But what's absolutely clear is that he wouldn't have survived much longer on his own."Otter cubs this young rely entirely on their mothers, and without immediate intervention, Mingo's chances were zero."He praised the quick response of both zoo staff and the wildlife rescue charity WildLives for giving Mingo a "second chance".A WildLives volunteer picked up Mingo and took him to a rescue centre in Colchester before the pup was transferred to North Devon.Mr Webb said the otter would be released back into the wild "when he's strong enough".
Rosie Catford, WildLives founder, said: "Mingo arrived at the centre very dehydrated, weak and frightened."He responded quickly to emergency care, but was not the easiest of cubs to bottle-feed."Transport was quickly arranged, and Mingo was off to Devon to receive the specialist care he needed."
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