By Samuel Wightwick
An otter superfan has had her decade-long dream come true when she took a trip to meet the only sea ones in the UK.
Mary Heathcote, 70, has been a self-confessed “otter-holic” for over 60 years and even has over 500 pieces of memorabilia dedicated to them in her house.
But her biggest dream, to meet a sea otter, finally came true when she visited the SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham and met Ozzy and Ola.
Mary was able to get up close with the pair – even feeding and shaking paws with them.
Mary, who lives in Somerset, said: “I honestly can’t believe this has actually happened. it’s like all my Christmases and birthdays have come at once.
“I’ve been all over the world to look for sea otters and I never dreamed I would be able to see one in real life.
“The first time I saw any species of otter was in 1991 and I was in tears.
“I’ve been in love with the animals ever since I was young.
“I’ve got so many different otter items in my house. My husband David said around 20 years ago if I buy one more otter he’s leaving me. We’re still together so I guess I called his bluff.”
Mary is so dedicated to the species, that she has spent much of her life working alongside wildlife academics to help with river surveys and conservation of otters.
In her lifetime, she has seen the otter population in the UK go from endangered to flourishing.
Amy Langham, General Manager at SEA LIFE Birmingham, said: “It was incredible to witness Mary meeting our sea otters for the very first time.
“She’s dedicated her life to these animals so it’s amazing to be able to give her something she’s dreamt of for such a long time.”
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