Henry the Hedgehog is WRAS’s 5000th Casualty. |

A Sussex animal charity has today admitted its 5000^th casualty of 2020!

The hedgehog, called Henry, was found during the night by residents in Christine Ave, Ringmer, after they heard his prolonged chesty coughing. Concerned for his welfare they picked him up and kept him safe before calling East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) this morning.

Casualty Manager Karen Francis admitted the hedgehog and said “initial examination and checks show he has a problem with lungworm, which will require several weeks’ worth of treatment.”

Henry is the 5000^th casualty which East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service have admitted into care so far in 2020. This is so far over 1032 more casualties than 2019, the biggest and most substantial increase the charity has ever faced.

“The spring and early summer were very busy for WRAS, not helped by so many people being at home during lockdown and so many young and baby wild creatures about, leading to more conflict between humans and wildlife” explained WRAS founder Trevor Weeks MBE.

“It is likely Henry will be in care with us for Christmas and into New Year but once fit and well, and as long as we have some suitable mild weather we will be able to release him back to his home range in the New Year” added Karen.

East Sussex WRAS has seen a reduction in donations during 2019 primarily due to the lack of fundraising events, unable to run their training courses, or attend fetes and talks. East Sussex WRAS is appealing for donation to help bolster the charities funds so they can continue to increase and build on their existing hospital which has started to hit its capacity for short periods of time during the busy season.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should call 01825-873003 or visit wildlifeambulance.org.