The Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau is gearing up to care for over 70 wild animals this winter. Among them are seven orphaned otters named Angel, Flounder, Guppy, Marlin, Minnow, Pickerel and Stingray.
While Aspen Valley is accustomed to caring for many wild animals of varying species, it is somewhat unusual to have seven otter pups at the same time, according to Janalene Kingshott, Director of Animal Welfare.
“(In the wild) they would be with their moms learning to hunt fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, aquatic insects and the like,” said Kingshott. “Our rehabilitation program mirrors these natural food sources putting fish high on the menu.”
The organization has launched a ‘fish drive’, and is reaching out to the community for support to ensure they have enough food to feed these growing pups through the winter.
Each year, Aspen Valley takes in over 1,000 animals who require specialized care because they are orphaned, injured or sick. The sanctuary focuses on providing specialized diets that mimic life in the wild as much as possible.
For those interested in donating the the Sanctuary’s Wildlife in Care Fund visit www.aspenvalley.ca.
