An injured otter pup from the Changi family was observed to have a deep cut caused by a metal wire wrapped around its body for the past two weeks.

The pup was still spotted swimming and eating well with its family of nine or 10 other otters.

However, it is believed that the otter could suffer from an infection if the wound is left untreated, or possibly die if the wire remains on its body.

Multi-agency effort

The Otter Working Group (OWG) has confirmed via a post shared by OtterWatch that they are planning for an opportune intervention to trap, treat and release the otter back to its family.

The OWG comprises of NParks, ACRES, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), PUB and National University of Singapore.

Challenges

Trapping is the most critical part of this rescue operation because the team has to identify the location that the otters frequent and avoid alarming the Changi otters, which are already more mobile and wary of people compared to the Bishan family.

The location would also have to be second-guessed, as the otter family is moving between Coney Island, Pasir Ris Park and Changi beach.

Trapping would also have to be done on dry land.

If the family becomes even more guarded, that will make the rescue operation even more difficult.

Once successfully captured, the otter would be immediately sent to WRS hospital’s veterinary team for assessment and treatment.

As the pup was born in February or March this year, it is believed to be an Aquarius baby, hence the operation is named "Free Aquarius".

Top photo courtesy of Abel Yeo