Once Caged Otter Experiences Joy of Water for the First Time

In Thailand, local rescuers were shocked to discover an otter confined in a cramped wooden box, where he had been living alone for years. This otter, surviving on unsuitable foods like noodles and meatballs, was far from the natural diet of shellfish he needed.

Acting swiftly, the rescuers liberated him from the box and reached out to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).

Named Thung Ngern, the otter was moved to a temporary facility with a small pool. Even in this modest environment, his spirits lifted noticeably compared to his time in the box. The arrival of WFFT marked a new beginning for him, as they took him under their care and conducted health assessments.

“Our veterinary team were astounded at his survival given the detrimental diet he had been subjected to,” said Paul Healey, press officer at WFFT.

Otters are inherently social, thriving in family groups. The solitary confinement of Thung Ngern was particularly distressing. His rescuers are now focused on his rehabilitation, aiming to eventually integrate him into one of the otter groups at WFFT, giving him the family he’s missed.

“He is adapting remarkably to sanctuary life,” Healey observed. “For perhaps the first time, Thung Ngern is savoring fresh fish and relishing his time in a pool of clean water.”

Within just a day of his arrival at the sanctuary, Thung Ngern’s transformation was evident. He displayed an outburst of energy, rolling in the sand and playing in the water. His gratitude towards his rescuers is palpable, and there is much anticipation for his introduction to the other otters.

“Our team is elated to witness his smooth transition to sanctuary life,” Healey commented. “We’re eagerly awaiting the moment when Thung Ngern can join other otter groups and truly experience being part of an otter family.”