Known best for her free spirit and remarkable work with orphaned Giant River otters at the Karanambu Lodge, local tourism pioneer and animal lover Diane McTurk passed away yesterday at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.
She was 85. Though she did not go into detail, relative Melanie McTurk said the woman died peacefully in her sleep at the hospital early yesterday morning. She described her as a happy woman who was well-loved by all those who knew her.
In light of her passing, many persons took to social media to share memories and pay tribute the iconic Guyanese woman, well known as the ‘Otter Lady,’ while highlighting her work at the lodge and her vibrant spirit.
A partial biography shared by Melanie said McTurk was the second child of Rupununi pioneers Edward ‘Tiny’ McTurk and wife Constance, and their first to be born at Karanambu Ranch in the North Rupununi.
