In this animal center in Lot-et-Garonne, the keepers carry out an unusual rescue

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This type of patient is quite rare. However, it appears on the structure's logo. Since the end of October 2024, a baby European otter has been recovering in wildlife care center of Tonneins (Lot-et-Garonne). This center is one of the few to be authorized to receive and care for this ultra-protected species. There are only two of them in France with Audenge in Gironde.

A 3 month old otter

He does not have a small name but a registration number: 1557. He was found at the very beginning of October near Echiré in Deux-Sèvres, at the side of a road, not far from another baby otter sadly deceased. Weakened, he was taken to Mary's Ark, a wildlife center who provided first aid.

He suffered from a serious lung and eye infection. It took three weeks for the Arche de Marie teams to stabilize it

Once his health has stabilized, the animal was transferred to Tonneins which is one of only two centers in France that can take care of European otters. They are in fact part of a national action program (PNA).

The site located below Ferron Park has two large aviaries equipped with pools to accommodate this protected species. But since his arrival in the city of tobacco, the otter has been recovering in the infirmary where he is generously fed: 800 grams of fish and 150 grams of chicks per day.

“I set a weight of 3 kg before putting it in the aviary.” A diet which allowed the otter to go from 2,250 kg, weight when he arrived, to 2kg,800.

It is very difficult to raise an otter. You have to teach him everything, swim, hunt, etc.

As an adult, this specimen of European otter could weigh between 7 and 9 kg. Males tend to be loners. “ He will be released when he is ready, at the location chosen by the PNA” explains Lou, who estimates the young otter’s convalescence time at three months.

Major works

The Tonneins health center is in full transition. Since July, Lou Léveiller, originally from Clairacbecame capacity manager. Sensitive to the animal cause, she has worked in quite a few centers of this type. In Tonneins, she has worked there as a volunteer and employee since its reopening in 2020. “I like when things are moving and I also like the associative side. It’s sometimes difficult but we always find solutions.”

She is now overseeing a big project. Following a significant donation from a family,major works will be able to be carried out. The farm will be completely rehabilitated with the creation of a large kitchen, with direct access to the infirmary.

1600 animals since January 1

An optimal layout to take care of all the animals welcomed here. 1,600 since January 1, 2024.

“More and more people are sensitive to wildlife and are thinking of bringing them to our centers,” rejoices the zookeeper.

An online fundraiser has been opened to help the wildlife care center: on the helloasso website

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