Cooper the Moray otter found dead
The body of Cooper the otter has been found beside a stream near the River Lossie this morning.
Efforts were being made to capture the injured otter so he could receive treatment from a vet.
Keith Marley from The New Arc animal rescue centre said: "I've not seen the body yet but I'm told he was very emaciated.
"He had been injured and then an infection had set in.
"It was a concern that he had not been seen since the weekend.
"He must have been scrabbling around for food and just got weaker and weaker.
"It's a real shame. If he'd managed to make it back to the boating lake in Cooper Park then he would have found a fresh trout we had put out for him.
"I'd like to thank the people of Moray for taking Cooper to their hearts and really trying to help.
"If only people everywhere were so good."
Cooper had become a much loved local character since he made his home on the island within the park's boating lake.
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