Brora wildlife rehabilitation charity issues food and fluids reminder after otter casualty
A Brora-based animal rescue charity has issued advice to well-meaning rescuers to avoid offering food or water to wildlife casualties.
Highland Wildlife Rescue issued the potentially life-saving reminder after a sick otter cub named Dornie had been in their care.
The young otter, estimated to be around 10 weeks old, had been found alone and hypothermic on the Struie before being uplifted by a passer-by, aided by staff at Royal Dornoch Golf Club and several helpers – including a local vet.
With the animal very cold and weak, one helper assisted by gently and slowly rewarming the cub, while the charity travelled to collect him.
The following morning the charity reported that after a few hours of care, Dornie had been unable to recover and had died.
In a post on Facebook, the charity said: “Losing patients is hands down the absolute worst part of our job but if we can shout from the rooftop to never give food or water to wildlife casualties, and someone remembers that when they have an opportunity to help, maybe we save the next one.
“Rest easy, little Dornie. So many people tried to help, and will be comforted by the fact that you were warm and cosy, and we have more helpers connected to our mission as a result of your short journey.”
The Sutherland charity, who specialise in the rehabilitation of hedgehogs and bats, said that the otter had inhaled some milk prior to being rescued, which had caused serious complications.
Jane Wilson, Centre Manager for Highland Wildlife Rescue said: “All wildlife casualties need assessment by a vet, or competent, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, or an SSPCA officer, before any other steps are taken - we need to check if the animal is in a condition that it can recover from before we start warming, fluid therapy, medication, pain relief, vet attention, including potential surgery.
“Feeding or putting fluids into the mouth or beak of a wildlife casualty risks choking, aspiration, and even death. If fluids enter the airway then aspiration pneumonia is a serious risk. In cold or collapsed animals, it can cause death.
“The urge to help is brilliant, and understandable so if people understand that they can worsen the situation by giving food and fluids, they will want to avoid doing that.
“We have so many compassionate and caring people out there who want to help but knowing what to do is critical. Secure the casualty (if safe to do so) and immediately phone for advice.
“A phone call to any of the resources mentioned above, is always the first and best step. We need all the help we can get from caring members of the public and we hugely appreciate their efforts in safely helping the many wildlife casualties they encounter.”
More information on Highland Wildlife Rescue can be found here, or donations can be made to their fundraising here.
