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Otterly adorable besties released back to the wild

A close up photo of two otters on a river bed. The animals heads and bodies are above the water and they are both looking away from the camera to the left.Colin Seddon

Tinsel and Star are best friends through thick and thin.

The UK Wild Otter Trust have been looking after them after they were orphaned as cubs in December 2024.

The charity introduced them to each other during their 14 month rehabilitation so that they could help one another "learn the vital skills needed to thrive independently in the wild".

And back into the wild they've gone - together of course.

More on otters

A photo of an otter being released into the wild. The otter is swimming into some murky brown water with greenery and shrubs in it. The animals head and body is above the water. It is leaving a wooden cage which is positioned into the water.Colin Seddon

The UK Wild Otter Trust rescues otters across the country and looks after them until they can be released back into the wild.

Otter cubs are particularly vulnerable. They usually stay with their mums for just over a year which is why Tinsel and Star had to be rescued because they wouldn't have survived otherwise.

Eight other otters that were rescued as cubs and nursed back to health by volunteers have also been released back into the wild.

Trust founder Dave Webb said moments like this mean "so much":

"To be able to rescue a cub, nurse it back to health, and watch it grow into a strong, independent animal ready for release - that's exactly why we're here."