Mingo was found ‘snoring’ in a flamingo enclosure(Image: Faye Mayern)

A wild otter cub found inside a flamingo habitat at a zoo has been rehomed in Devon.

The tiny cub baffled staff at Colchester Zoo in Essex when they found him ‘snoring’ in the flamingo enclosure. Weighing at just 800 grams (28oz), he is only a few months old.

Affectionately named Mingo, the otter was taken to Wildlife Rescue in Colchester as he was without his mum and in distress, before finding a home at the UK Wild Otter Trust near North Bickington in North Devon.

The Colchester Zoo staff member, Jody Bedford, who initially found Mingo said: “Mingo was found early in the morning, curled up on the bank of the main lake out in the open, fast asleep and snoring his head off.”

“When he was found we gave him a few hours to see if mum would reappear”.

Mingo was found chilling with the flamingos at Colchester Zoo(Image: Faye Mayern)

“Knowing otters, it’s odd behaviour to see a pup out in the open like he was. He seemed very strong and was very vocal when awake,” said Jody.

Wild otters are native to the UK and can be found along wetlands, rivers and coastal areas.

Otter cubs are usually born in groups of two or three and stay with their mothers for about a year.

Founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust Dave Webb said: “We’re still baffled as to how Mingo ended up in the flamingo habitat.

“It’s a total mystery.

“But what’s absolutely clear is that he wouldn’t have survived much longer on his own.

“Otter cubs this young rely entirely on their mothers, and without immediate intervention, Mingo’s chances were zero.

“Thanks to the quick response from CZS and Wildlife Rescue, we’ve been able to give him a second chance at life, and he’ll be released back into the wild when he’s strong enough.”

Mingo was found chilling with the flamingos at Colchester Zoo(Image: Faye Mayern)

The UK Wild Otter Trust, based in North Devon, has been caring for and advocating for the protection of otters since 1998.

Their team of tireless volunteers is now working around the clock to ensure Mingo receives the round-the-clock feeding, warmth, and monitoring he needs to grow strong.

He will eventually be released back into the wild.