Abandonment. One word, yet it carries so many heartbreaking emotions.
For dog rescuers, abandonment means more than leaving a dog on the side of the road. It encompasses a whole set of emotions, unfolding a story with both a beginning and an end. And, it’s almost unavoidably filled with tears and heartbreak.
Recently, a random passerby experienced this harsh reality when he spotted a soaked box with two furry faces peeking out of it.
Though puzzled about the identity of the animals, he was completely shocked by the cruelty of such an act of abandonment.
Unexpected Furry Siblings
As he was approaching the box, the man realized something was different.
Abandonment cases like this one usually involve a dog or a cat and a neglectful owner. However, the bonded pair peeking out of the box was neither.
He took a closer look at the box and came to a shocking realization. There were two baby otters huddled together, trying to stay warm after having been all soaked by the rain.
On top of the box was a note instructing that the cubs should be taken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue.
“They were in a cage with a note on the top for someone to call us to rescue them. Luckily they were found by a local man who got them to safety so we were able to rush out to get them,” CWR stated in an Instagram post.
After notifying the organization about this case of abandonment, both otters were immediately transferred to their facility. Sadly, their condition was not the best.
“They were both underweight, lethargic and soaking wet,” the organization added.
The cubs, later classified as Lutra Lutra, were evidently exhausted and only hours away from their inevitable end. Without proper care, they would not have survived in the box on their own.
Fortunately, they were timely picked up in time and taken to proper care – all thanks to a kind passerby.
Heading Toward Full Recovery
The Cuan Wildlife Rescue staff soon collaborated with UKWOT, who agreed to take babies to their facility. After receiving proper rest and rehabilitation, they plan to release both otters into the wild where they belong.
“They are resting and recovering from the stress of their ordeal and will be released back into the wild after a lengthy rehabilitation,” UKWOT stated on Facebook.
However, the question remains – how did these two babies end up in a box by the road in the first place? The organization plans to investigate this case and shed light on the entire story.
Injuring, capturing, or disturbing otters in any way is against the law, and the team is committed to doing everything possible to bring those responsible for putting them in this situation to justice.
“This is an unprecedented act of planned cruelty and here at UKWOT, we will do everything we are able to, to bring these people to justice for this despicable act,” the founder of UKWOT Dave Webb stated, according to the Facebook post.
These two babies are finally in a safe place, far away from the harrowing situation and awaiting their return to nature. Until then, they will receive all the love and care, now experiencing the positive side of humanity.