An otter cub, rescued and hand-reared by staff at RSPCA Cymru in Llandysul, is making a remarkable recovery.
RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West rescued the six-week-old cub on January 15 after it was spotted in a weak and lethargic state in Penrhiwllan.
The otter weighed in at just 919 grams when found – roughly two pounds – and ACO West was forced to feed her through a syringe to ensure her survival.
The cub was then transferred to accommodation within a rehabilitation unit, held by a badger group, giving her a larger pen to continue her recovery.
ACO West continued to provide care, meals and support to the otter.
The cub has since been transferred to a specialist wildlife centre, where she is expected to remain for another 12 and 18 months before being returned to the wild.
ACO West said: “It was really touch and go for this poor otter cub, who was in a desperately sorry state when I rescued her.
“So much energy and emotion has gone into helping and rehabilitating her, and - thankfully – she responded well to being hand-reared.
“Her recovery will now continue at one of our specialist wildlife centres.
"It is hoped we will be able to return her to where she belongs - the wild - some time in 2018, which would mark an amazing turnaround from when I first rescued this cub in Llandysul.”
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