A BABY stoat was resuscitated after it was found with its mate struggling to survive in a water butt in Marham, Norfolk. The tiny animals, known as kits, were found on Friday, May 29 by a water company worker.

A BABY stoat was resuscitated after it was found with its mate struggling to survive in a water butt in Marham, Norfolk.

The tiny animals, known as kits, were found on Friday, May 29 by a water company worker. One of them was barely alive and the worker managed to give it heart massage and breathe into its face to revive it.

The stoats were then taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre where they are being cared for.

Both four-week-old kits were suffering from dehydration and were in shock. The stoat which nearly drowned was also suffering from hypothermia. Staff at the centre worked to get them warm and give them fluids and it is thought both will shortly be ready for release.

RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre manager, Alison Charles, said: “When the stoats came in they were lethargic and weak, so I am very pleased that they are well on the way to recovery now. Although we would not recommend someone trying to do CPR on a wild animal, their rescuer saved them from almost certain death and did a great job of helping them to survive.

“Both of the kits are very active now and we will release them on a site where the landowner will keep an eye on them for us and make sure they can survive, as they are still very young to be away from their mother.”

The RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre is one of three wildlife centres run by the Society in England. It works to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds before releasing them back into the wild.

The centre opens its doors to the public just once every two years.

This year, the Open Day will be on Sunday, July 5 when visitors can have tours of the centre, learn about its valuable work and watch feeding time. To find out more call 0300 123 0709.