AN ORPHANED otter cub is being cared for at a wildlife centre after the distressed animal was found alone and crying out for its mother by a member of the public on the Isle of Lewis.

The cute 10-week-old otter, nicknamed Lewis, is now being rehabilitated at the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, and has joined two female orphaned otters called Dipper and Dalis.

The three orphans will stay together for a year before until they are mature enough to fend for themselves before being released back into the wild.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Lewis is being cared for along with two female cubs called Dipper and Dalis who arrived in our care a short while ago as they are around the same age.

“Lewis, Dipper and Dalis are getting on very well and will stay together and be released in around 12 months’ time once they are all mature enough to fend for themselves in the wild.”

Dipper was very poorly when she was found in February in Perthshire, and vets were amazed she survived.