When Mats Janzon discovered Leya, she was a fragile baby otter, alone and curled up in the grass near his home in Sweden. During a peaceful walk in the woods, Janzon stumbled upon her after hearing a soft peeping sound. Despite hoping for her mother’s return, hours passed with no sign of her. Upon searching the vicinity, Janzon learned that Leya’s mother had tragically been killed on a busy road nearby. With Leya appearing malnourished and barely able to breathe, he recognized that she needed immediate care.
Having volunteered with animal rescues while he was a pilot in Cyprus, Janzon felt an urge to immerse himself in nature after returning to Sweden. “This shift led me to focus on helping wildlife,” he explained to Upworthy. “I’ve cared for various animals, mostly birds. For instance, Huginn, a crow I rescued, stayed with me for three years before he transitioned to his own flock.” This background set the stage for his journey with Leya, though he had never raised an otter before.
Despite his lack of experience with otters, Janzon dove into the challenge. The responsibility of caring for Leya around the clock was daunting, but soon, she began to thrive and form an inseparable bond with him. “The first time she let me pet her, I thought, ‘This can’t be real,'” Janzon recalled. “It felt like a dream, this wild otter choosing to trust me.” His concerns about whether he was doing the right thing were ever-present, as he understood Leya needed to return to her wild roots eventually.
To prepare Leya for her eventual return to the wild, Janzon introduced her to water, starting with a kiddie pool in his backyard. Initially clumsy, Leya gradually became more confident in her swimming abilities. “Two years ago, Leya took her very first splash in a cozy baby pool filled with toys,” Janzon fondly remembered. “Now at two years old, she is likely out in the wild, thriving and finding her territory.” Watching her grow from those early days of splashing and curiosity was a magical experience for Janzon.
As time passed, Leya became an integral part of Janzon’s family, which also included a rescued crow and a domestic cat. The playful dynamics among the animals resembled a scene from a children’s storybook. Once Leya felt comfortable in the water, Janzon took her to the nearby lake. With a nod of encouragement, Leya jumped in, marking a poignant moment in their relationship that Janzon described as fatherly.
However, natural instincts began to take over as Leya grew. She started exploring farther and staying out longer, prompting Janzon to consider her future. “It’s a strange kind of love—part pride, part heartbreak,” he expressed as he witnessed her evolve into the wild creature she was meant to be. Janzon understood that this was a necessary change, albeit difficult for him.
Even as Leya embraced her wild life, she still returned for visits. On days when Janzon would kayak on the lake, Leya would often pop her nose above the water, swim over, and climb aboard for cuddles. Sometimes she would even bring a snack, showcasing the unique bond they shared. As Leya continued her journey into the wild, Janzon proudly reflected on how she inspired him to transition from a conventional career to one focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.
Janzon is transparent about Leya’s wild spirit. “As much as I love Leya, she’s not a pet,” he emphasized. He encourages anyone considering adopting or rescuing a wild animal to approach it with care and full responsibility. “They aren’t pets; they’re living, feeling souls that deserve to be loved and respected.” For those eager to follow Mats Janzon and see more about Leya’s adventures, he shares captivating updates on TikTok.
