Lost baby otter found in flamingo habitat rehomed by rescuers

By Faye Mayern

A lost wild otter cub who baffled rescuers after he was found inside a flamingo habitat at a zoo has been rehomed.

The tiny cub now affectionately named Mingo was found alone, weighing just 800 grams (28oz) and only a few months old.

He gave staff at Colchester Zoo (CZS), in Essex, a surprise when they found him 'snoring' in the flamingo enclosure.

Mingo was taken to Wildlives Rescue in Colchester as he was without his mum and in distress - before finding a home at the UK Wild Otter Trust in North Devon.

CZS's Jody Bedford, the member of staff who initially found Mingo, said: "Mingo was found early in the morning, curled up on the bank of the main lake out in the open, fast asleep and snoring his head off.

"When he was found we gave him a few hours to see if Mum would reappear.

"Knowing otters, it’s odd behavior to see a pup out in the open like he was. He seemed very strong and was very vocal when awake.”

Wild otters are native to the UK and can be along wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas.

Otter cubs are usually born in groups of two to three and stay with their moms for around a year.

Founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust Dave Webb said: “We’re still baffled as to how Mingo ended up in the flamingo habitat.

"It’s a total mystery.

“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.

"Thanks to the quick response from CZS and Wildlives Rescue, we’ve been able to give him a second chance at life, and he’ll be released back into the wild when he’s strong enough.”

The UK Wild Otter Trust, based in North Devon, has been caring for and advocating for the protection of otters since 1998.

Their team of tireless volunteers is now working around the clock to ensure Mingo receives the round-the-clock feeding, warmth, and monitoring he needs to grow strong.

He will eventually be released back into the wild.