Daphne Neville, 82, has made it her life’s passion to care for and spread awareness about otters.
In fact, she has been doing exactly that for the past 40 years and even goes so far as to go around town her with her pet named “Rudi” perched on her shoulders. And because the otter looks “cozy and happy,” people don’t really mind.
Watch the video of Daphne and her otter below.
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Video credit: Rumble
Neville started out as an actress but fell in love with otters in 1980. This was after a friend noted that her 18th century converted water mill located near Stroud, Glos., was a perfect environment in which to raise them.
Rudi is Neville’s 10th otter. He is well-behaved and is a veteran of shows all over the country.
Because of his 36 sharp teeth, Rudi is licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. However, Neville said that she never encountered any problem with the affectionate animal.
She said: “With Rudi, I’ve had him since he was three weeks old. He thinks I’m his mom. I’m a part of him and he’s a part of me.
“I’ve shown people you can have incredible bonds with these creatures. Touch wood, we have never had an accident.
“I wouldn’t want to be a risk to anyone. All my otters have immaculately behaved. I wouldn’t dream of taking them out otherwise.
“We do shows all over the place. People come from miles away – especially from Australia and New Zealand. They don’t have otters there.”
Along with late husband Martin and their three daughters, the Neville family has raised several otters. She even teamed up with the legendary Sir David Attenborough in a campaign to convince water companies to clean up the country’s polluted rivers.
Because of extreme pollution with the chemical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), wild otters are nearly extinct.
Her persistence bore fruit because Michael Meacher, who served as environment minister under Tony Blair, made moves to have PCBs phased out in 2000.
She said: “We didn’t know anything about otters – we were just a normal family. But then we wanted to raise awareness about their future.
“We fought so hard for their safety. Clean water is pivotal for the future of otters and all living creatures. Since then [1980], the rivers have visibly improved.”
Neville is now an advocate for Animal Alerts. It’s a small device that one can attach in a car’s front. The device emits an ultrasonic sound that warns animals like dogs, rabbits, and otters not to cross the road as the car approaches.
She said: “It keeps them on the verge. Otters like to cross the road at night when they think it’s safe.”
Rudi, an Asian small-clawed otter, is housed in a large cage in the garden when he’s not perched on Neville’s shoulder. This allows him to mingle with fellow otters who come to say ‘hello.’
Rudi has even made it to Kensington Palace and even appeared on Channel 4’s hit TV show ‘Come Dine With Me’ where they placed second.
Aside from otters, Neville also shelters rescued ducks, swans, and even a goose on her lake.
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