Otter makes return in London
By LUCY HAGAN
October 16, 2006
WILDLIFE experts were thrilled yesterday after the first otter was found in the London stretch of the River Thames for 100 years. The young male was dead — but environmentalists say it proves the river is at its cleanest in centuries.
Graeme Mclaren, of the Environment Agency, said: “The return of the otter to London is as significant as the earlier return of the salmon to the River Thames.
“We believe there could be more out there, swimming across London.”
A post mortem confirmed the animal — found on the riverbank in Wapping, East London — was in good condition with clean and sharp teeth when it died.
It is hoped there could be even more otters on London’s riverbanks with the building of the 2012 Olympic Games Park.
Mr Mclaren added: “The 200-hectare Olympics Park is another opportunity to further enhance the environment and help our native species flourish.”
Probably fcuking poisoned when it fell in the Thames.![]()