An orphaned 10-week-old river otter pup is getting veterinary care at the Oregon Zoo after it was found along a roadside in Deer Island last month.
Someone found the pup June 3 along Tide Creek Road, and she was taken to Portland Audubon’s wildlife center for immediate care.
After searching unsuccessfully for the pup’s mother, state fish & wildlife staff decided they could not release her back into the wild, in part because she had lived with people.
“Our preference is always for rehab and release, but since that’s not possible in this case we’re happy to help give her a second chance,” said Shelly Pettit, area supervisor for the zoo’s North America section. “The other otters living here are also rescues, and we have a great track record caring for orphaned pups.”
The zoo said the pup, who arrived on July 13, weighs about seven pounds and is “a bit larger than a kitten and just about as playful.”
The pup is getting additional care at the zoo’s veterinary medical center. She will eventually meet Tilly and the other resident river otters in the Cascade Stream and Pond area until she finds a permanent home.
“In the meantime,” Pettit said, “we have plenty of room for her and are happy to have her while we can.”
PORTLAND, Ore. – An orphaned 10-week-old river otter pup is getting veterinary care at the Oregon Zoo after it was found along a roadside in Deer Island last month. Someone found the pup June 3 along Tide Creek Road, and she was taken to Portland Audubon’s wildlife center for immediate care...
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