Rehabilitation and
Release
IOSF cares for otters from across the UK. To date, we have cared for over 250 otters in our centre on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
We have positioned ourselves as one of the world’s leading experts on otter rehabilitation and regularly help and support rehabilitation work globally.
IOSF OTTER SANCTUARY
OTTERS CARED FOR SO FAR - 254
OTTERS IN CARE PER YEAR - 10-12
TIME IN OUR CARE - 12-15 months
COST FOR ONE OTTER’S CARE - £1,600
COST FOR ONE BOX OF FISH - £100
IOSF Otter Sanctuary
Each year, IOSF cares for otters in need from across the country. Otters need specialist care, of which we provide to help them in their transition back to the wild
Each otter cub will stay within IOSF care for 12-15 months as that is the period of time they will spend with their mother.
IOSF has also positioned itself as a wildlife refuge for our area and regularly helps with wildlife such as birds and mammals.
Otter Rehab Abroad
IOSF has placed itself as one of the world’s leading experts in otter rehabilitation and are regularly contacted for support and advice for rearing of cubs around the world, including this Maxwell’s otter in Iraq.
These otters have come in to care for multiple reasons, including rescued from pet trade, mothers have been killed. However, often, we don’t know the reason.
Rescued from pet trade
Many of the otters that we support and advise on globally have been rescued from the pet trade. These otters come in at a variety of ages: from cubs rescued in markets/social media sales or pets that have “out-grown” their owners. Either the owners realise that otters do not make perfect pets or otters have escaped their cruel life.
Training
IOSF has been involved in consultancy and training on otter rehabilitation and release across the world.
These include aspects such as release protocols, rehabilitation set up and potential reintroduction programmes across the world, including Japan, the Netherlands and Taiwan.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND AN OTTER THAT YOU BELIEVE IS IN DISTRESS?
Check out the poster for our guidance on what to do if you are ever unsure about the right steps to take.
Most important things to remember are:
Never attempt to pick up an otter quickly. No matter how small, or harmless, it may look. Otters are wild animals and can, and will, defend themselves.
If you are ever in doubt, contact IOSF at 01471822487
Learn more about about illegal otter trade and threats
Many of which are reasons for otters to be taken in to care.
©Scorpion Foundation