In 2009 we have received 17 cubs and at one time had 13 in care.
Normally we treat about 10-12 otters per year and we would have about 6 in at any one time, so this sudden increase is totally unexpected. As a result the food bills have also near enough doubled – it costs about £1000 to rear an otter cub and therefore the costs for the current year are running at over £12,000 already.
As you know, otter cubs stay with their mothers for 12-15 months so we have to release the cubs at about the same age – if we release them too early they will not survive. This is why the food bills are so high.
We know times are hard for everyone, but if you can spare even a small amount to help the otters we will be very grateful. NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL AS IT WILL BUY A FISH FOR AN OTTER.