Otter cub rescued from Colchester Zoo’s flamingo enclosure

Dave Webb, UKWOT founder, said it was “absolutely clear is that [Mingo] wouldn’t have survived much longer on his own” when he was found.

“Otter cubs this young rely entirely on their mothers, and without immediate intervention, Mingo’s chances were zero.”

He praised the quick response of both zoo staff and the wildlife rescue charity WildLives for giving Mingo a “second chance”.

A WildLives volunteer picked up Mingo and took him to a rescue centre in Colchester before the pup was transferred to North Devon.

Mr Webb said the otter would be released back into the wild “when he’s strong enough”.

Rosie Catford, WildLives founder, said: “Mingo arrived at the centre very dehydrated, weak and frightened.

“He responded quickly to emergency care, but was not the easiest of cubs to bottle-feed.

“Transport was quickly arranged, and Mingo was off to Devon to receive the specialist care he needed.”