When employees arrived at the administration building at a Navy Base in Virginia Beach, they were met with an unexpected scene. Curled up beside the entrance was a small, furry shape that immediately caught their attention.
As they moved closer, the mystery became clear. Looking up at them were two very young otters, only around five to six weeks old.
The tiny pups, later named Willow and Cedar, were undeniably cute but very uneasy around people. As soon as they sensed anyone coming near, they released sharp cries, a typical reaction from frightened, vulnerable otters.
A New Start For The Young Otters
At first, the base staff tried to care for the babies themselves. They offered food and kept an eye on them, hoping their mother might return to collect them.
“They (the workers) tossed food to them for a couple of days. They thought their mother would eventually come and get them but that never happened,” wildlife rehabilitator, Cindy Lakin, told Daily Press.
But every morning the pups were still in the same spot. It soon became clear that the situation was more serious than anyone hoped. The Navy employees realized they could not leave the young otters to fend for themselves.
They reached out to Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, Virginia, requesting assistance for Willow and Cedar.
Rescuers suspected something had happened to the babies’ mother and worried the pair had no chance of surviving alone.
“Otters at that age would never be out of their den. If they are out, something has happened, and they need rescue,” Lakin told The Dodo.
Sadly, the concern turned out to be justified. Their mother had been hit by a car only days earlier.
The rescue team transported the pups to Lakin’s three acre property, where she was already caring for four other orphaned otters named Poppy, Oakley, Cherry, and Aspen. Willow and Cedar arrived weak, dehydrated, and very fearful.
Helping The Otters Recover
Lakin quickly began treatment, giving them fluids, antibiotics, and a specialized formula to help them stabilize. She bottle fed them several times a day and monitored them closely.
Gradually, the young otters began to improve. Soon they were eating fish and practicing their swimming, gaining confidence and strength.
During their active periods, they played with toys and socialized with the other rescued otters.
“For otters, everything is fun and games. They love their toys,” Lakin added.
Hearing their cheerful chirps and watching them roll around brought joy to their caretaker each day.
If progress continues, Willow, Cedar, and the other four orphans are expected to be released back into the wild next year in the spring.
With the help of compassionate people and a dedicated rehabilitator, they are on track to return to the rivers and forests where they belong, far from the dangers they faced before.
