Animal sanctuary near Boston to take on two otters that cannot swim - appeal launched to help fund new home
An animal sanctuary near Boston is set to take on a pair of young otters, who, following a difficult start to life, do not know how to swim.
ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, in Stickney, has been working with the Netherlands-based AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) to provide a permenant home for the two Asian short-clawed otters.
The duo, known as Bronte and Indigo, are currently being housed by AAP.
The one-year-olds were seized by authorities after being found in poor conditions in a private residence.
Jamie Mintram, from the Ark, said: “This young pair of otters have had a particularly bad start to life, having been discovered kept in sub-standard conditions, and at a young age, they are struggling to swim – something you'd think is a fundamental part of being a happy healthy otter.”
“Most likely this is due to being removed from mum at a very young age,” he continued. “Without her guidance and the lack of a suitable environment, they never learnt to swim.”
“We're now working on a spacious enclosure with a pond to give them the best home we possibly can and will build up their confidence around water to the point they're happy to swim, play and behave the way an otter should." The Ark has begun work on the enclosure and have setup a fundraiser on GoFundMe for individuals or companies to sponsor the otters and their new home, which should be ready to welcome the pair early next year. Support the appeal at https://gofund.me/bc077904