Two orphaned otters have found their new riverside home in Yorkshire.

The cubs were separated from their mothers in bad weather in January last year.

After numerous failed attempts to reunite them with their mothers, the orphaned otters were admitted to the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire.

The young otters, who were recently named Ebb and Flo by Yorkshire Water’s customers, have now finally been released back into the wild.

Yorkshire Water partnered with the RSPCA and Wild Aid to relocate the pair to one of its sites along the River Aire.

It comes after 13 months of rehabilitation. 

Otters almost became extinct in the UK in the 1980s but have since made a comeback.

A reduction in harmful pesticides and improved river quality has provided a better environment for otters to reproduce and thrive in the wild. 

James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “The otters are back...because the rivers are healthier. That is still a fragile recovery for the otter, and we need to ensure that it doesn’t go into reverse again.”

Yorkshire Water worked closely with the RSPCA to identify the right habitat for Ebb and Flo to be released along the River Aire – the wildlife charity did a thorough assessment of the site and is satisfied the environment is a suitable home for them.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ebb and Flo, pictured. Ebb and Flo, pictured.

The otters will be kept in a pen on site for 10 days so that they can get used to their new surroundings before being released into the local area. 

Rob Scrivens from the RSPCA said: “Otters numbers have seen a steady increase over the last 40 years – and habitats for them have improved drastically, but the population is still fragile.

"Working in partnerships like this one with Yorkshire Water, means that once we’ve cared for the otters at Stapeley Grange, we can relocate them to a site that meets their needs – fresh water, lots of greenery and food for them to eat.”

Helen Slinger, head of sustainable business at Yorkshire Water, added: “It’s a privilege to be working with the RSPCA and Wild Aid once again. We’re working hard to improve river health in a number of ways, and we’re pleased that the RSPCA has now identified a number of riverbank locations on our sites as good habitats for otters to be released.”