20 Years of Caring for Otters

The International Otter Survival Fund Celebrates Anniversary

December 12, 2008 - Press Dispensary - On December 12, 1988, the first otter was brought to the wildlife hospital on the Isle of Skye. Twenty years later, this establishment is now the specialist rescue centre of The International Otter Survival Fund ( IOSF ).

The otter, Billy, had been hit by a car in Broadford, where IOSF is based. Fortunately the local vet had dealt with otters before, having been the vet for Gavin Maxwell, author of 'Ring of Bright Water', when he had his otters at Sandaig (Camusfearna). Billy’s injuries were not severe and so, after treatment, he was released back to the wild.

That was the start, and now 20 years later more than 100 otters have been treated at the centre. Most of these are cubs which have somehow lost their mother but road casualties still do come in and there have also been otters which have suffered horrific injuries in snares. Cubs come to the centre from all over Scotland and Northern England and even Ireland and numbers are increasing. At present, the centre has eight cubs in care.

The centre is now recognised internationally and gives practical help and advice to others working in the same field. Otters of various species have been helped in Chile, Portugal, Bangladesh, Canada and India.

But IOSF does a lot more for otter conservation than working with the individual and works in practical conservation locally and internationally in countries such as Kenya and Cambodia.

Grace Yoxon, IOSF director, says: “Caring for the individual otters is great. The young cubs really are cute but it is very important to keep them wild so that they can be released. And it is important to bring them up with other otters so they can learn all about the social side of being an otter. But it is also important to care for otters in the wild and protect their habitat. By having the little ones in our hands, it focuses our minds so we want to do more to protect them and their environment for future generations.”

For more information on IOSF and its work, please visit http://www.otter.org

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Notes for editors
The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) was inspired by observing otters in their true natural habitat. Because the otter lives on land and in water, and is at the peak of the food chain, it is an ambassador species to a first class environment. IOSF was set up to protect the 13 species of otter worldwide through a combination of compassion and science. It also supports third party projects that help otters.

The International Otter Survival Fund is based at: 7 Black Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9DE.

Images are available to accompany this article. Please contact with any specific requests. Images are copyright IOSF.

For further information, please contact:
Grace Yoxon, International Otter Survival Fund
Tel: + 44 1471 822487
Email:
Site: www.otter.org