Want to read more?
We value our content and access to our full site is only available with a subscription. Your subscription entitles you to 7-day-a-week access to our website, plus a full digital copy of that week’s paper to read on your pc/mac or mobile device. In addition, your subscription includes access to digital archive copies from 2006 onwards.
Just want to read one issue? No problem you can subscribe for just one week (or longer if you wish).
Problems logging in and require
technical support?
Click hereIn October 2022 the Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund was contacted by Sue Morley from the Isle of Mull, about a young otter found on the roadside there.
This was Dòbhran (Scottish Gaelic for otter).
Arrangements were made to meet Sue at Fort William and take Dòbhran back to the IOSF centre on the Isle of Skye for his care and rehabilitation and… he never looked back.
Dòbhran is a male Eurasian otter and was about 10 weeks old on his arrival at IOSF.
There were no problems getting him to eat, as the charity sometime has when such young cubs are first settling in, and so he gained weight and progressed well.
As the months passed, Dòbhran became a strong and healthy young otter, full of character too as he patrolled his pen, sometimes hiding beneath his pond and other times just enjoying the sunshine like he didn’t care who or what was about.
However, he was always watching.
A spokesperson from SIOSF said: “The best part of an otter’s care and rehabilitation with us, is when it is strong and healthy enough to be returned to the wild. And so it was for Dòbhran.”
Last week, Dòbhran was taken back to the Isle of Mull.
He had a restless journey, frequently trying to get out of his carry box. Once on site, in the company of Sue and Darren Morley and Nigel Burch, it was time for his big release and a new chapter in his life, doing what an otter does in the wild.
“The box was placed on the shore and when the door was opened Dòbhran wasn’t too sure initially what to do, but eventually out he came to explore the shoreline,” said the spokesperson.
“He stopped and had a wee rub and roll on the seaweed, before continuing on his way.
“Good Luck Dòbhran, it has been a privilege to get you here.”
IOSF want to say a big thank you also, to those involved in Dòbhran’s rescue and release, and to everyone who has supported him with sponsorships and donations.
