Orphaned beaver kit 'thriving' after being washed downriver during storm

An orphaned beaver kit is “thriving” after being nursed back to health by the SSPCA.

Turnip arrived at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, in May 2024 after being washed downriver during a storm.

The male beaver was no more than a week or two old and weighed only 860g when he was brought into the care of the centre.

He was the first infant beaver kit to arrive at the centre, where he received intensive care, was hand-reared, and given plenty of food, including his favourite – sweet potatoes and carrots.

As Turnip grew, he was given water baths so he could learn to swim, and the staff worked hard to ensure natural behaviours were being encouraged.

After six months, Turnip left the centre for his new home at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

Turnip learned to swim in a large water bath while in the care of the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre. Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA said he has continued to thrive there ever since and has been joined by female beaver, Parsnip.

“We have had several injured beavers come to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to undergo rehabilitation prior to release, but Turnip was the first infant we received, and our team’s tireless efforts, hard work and care to rear him are rewarded with news that he is doing so well,” Sean Meechan, wildlife operations lead at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said.

Together, the Scottish SPCA said Turnip and Parsnip will have the opportunity to establish their own territories as the Sanctuary continues its important work in caring for orphaned beaver kits.