AN animal shelter has ambitious plans for a new rehabilitation centre after rescuing and releasing more than 100 hedgehogs in the past year.
Among the many injured or struggling animals that have been nursed back to health and put back in the wild by volunteers at Wetheriggs Animal rescue Centre, near Greta Bridge, are owls, swans and buzzards.
Centre director Terry Bowes says about £20,000 needs to be raised to convert a barn into a new rehabilitation area for wildlife in need of help. He added that the plans are for two waterfalls to be created at the back of the barn which would allow water to flow through enclosures down the centre and long the sides of the building. Two aisles would allow people to walk around to view the animals.
Mr Bowes said: “We will have one-way mirror for people to see the animals without the animals seeing them. We can soft release them into the wild without them being ‘human imprinted’ in any way.”
A large number of the animals that were helped were hedgehogs which had been poisoned or were suffering from “wobbly hedgehog syndrome” – the equivalent of multiple sclerosis in humans.
Mr Bowes said: “Lots of young hedgehogs born last year didn’t have enough weight to get them through the winter. We had a good survival rate and a good percentage have gone back into the wild.” The centre also saved a cygnet that had been brought in during the winter, as well as an adult swan which flew off within a few days of having a fishing hook removed from its neck. Mr Bowes said: “We had a short-eared owl brought in which was a first for us. We have released so many tawny owls in the past five years that we are looking for fresh release areas.”
The centre is now appealing for help not only for cash to buy materials, but also for maintenance volunteers to help with construction of the centre, as well as new shed shelters for the outdoor paddocks. People can help with the fundraising drive by entering into the annual quiz at Thorpe Farm Centre at 7pm on June 8. The £10 entry fee includes a supper. A minimum of four people is needed for each quiz team.
Alternatively, people can buy tickets for an open day later this month, where the exotic animal centre will be accessible. Mr Bowes said: “That is one of our biggest fundraisers. We are allowed six a year but we had none last year because of the restrictions.” Anyone who can help with the rehabilitation centre or would like to book tickets for the quiz or open day can ring Mr Bowes on 01833 627444 or 07764 352835.
