AN otter rescued from a Swansea Valley refinery has been released back into the wild.

RSPCA officers were called to Vale Europe Limited’s Clydach Nickel Refinery on February 10 after staff found an otter hiding a few inches beneath a fast moving conveyor belt.

Following a call to the RSPCA, animal collection officer (ACO) Ellie West, inspector Nigel Duguid and animal welfare officer Andrew Harris, cornered and successfully rescued the terrified animal.

The adult otter - named Ludwig by the refinery after Ludwig Mond who founded the refinery in 1902 - was then taken to a veterinary surgery for an examination as he had a few infected bite wounds which were believed to have been caused by territorial fighting with another otter.

ACO West then took him to RSPCA’s specialist wildlife centre in Somerset, West Hatch, for rehabilitation.

“At West Hatch his wounds healed well while he received antibiotics,” she said. “He was also sedated by the wildlife vet and had a chipped canine tooth removed.”

Following the successful spell of rehabilitation, Ludwig was given the all clear to return home.

Last Thursday ACO West along with RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben released Ludwig at dusk at a safe location on the outskirts of the refinery.

“This is definitely the best part of the job - it was lovely to see him go back into the wild,” she said.

“The refinery have been so accommodating and they have been so keen to hear about his progress.”

UK Environmental Superintendent from the refinery, Lee Davies, said: “Ludwig’s initial rescue was a very proud moment for us all at Vale.

“We must give enormous credit to Ellie and her colleagues at the RSPCA for their dedication, particularly during his rehabilitation, which has given him the best possible chance of survival. To play a part in releasing Ludwig back into his natural habitat as our neighbour has been such a privilege for us.”

If you are concerned for the welfare of a wild animal that seems to be alone, please watch from a distance and call the RSPCA’s Cruelty & Advice line on 0300 1234 999.

If you would like to help the RSPCA, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message). We are a charity and rely on public donations to exist.