Volunteers at a Sussex animal rescue centre are getting broody, after a week of baby wildlife being admitted to care.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) has seen three baby squirrels and two baby fox cubs being brought in for care after sadly being abandoned by their parents. They are also caring for an injured baby collared Dove and a baby wood pigeon too. WRAS is now looking after these youngsters and hopes to be able to return them all to the wild.
The three baby squirrels were found down on the ground, cold and underweight at Whitesmith and had to come in for care.
The two fox cubs, who were only a couple of days old, also had to come into the hospital. Volunteers attempted to re-unite the two cubs with their mum, but despite their best efforts it was unsuccessful.
The collared dove was found on the ground at Eastbourne. The bird was very fluffed up and cold with several puncture marks, and the wood pigeon was found on the Cuckoo Trail at Hailsham.
WRAS volunteers will now be working round the clock to care for the babies and get them fighting fit. They expect all the animals will eventually be released into the wild but they will need to obtain a licence from Natural England to be able to release the grey squirrels, otherwise they will be found a sanctuary to live in.
WRAS is urging people not to rush in and pick up what they think to be an abandoned baby wild animal or bird throughout the spring and early summer.
"As they say 'Mum knows best' and we can never fully replace their natural mums efforts at rearing their young, so only as a last result should wildlife be picked up" said WRAS founder Trevor Weeks.
He added: "We frequently have to try and reunite fox cubs and other wildlife back with their parents when members of the public have mistakenly picked up a baby thinking it has been abandoned. We would urge anyone who thinks they have found an abandoned baby wild animal or bird to contact us for advice or to check out our website for further information".
Monica Russell, WRAS senior carer and director said: "These little squirrels are so cute and they are doing so well, its hard work and they need regular attention when looking after them. I am being helped by new volunteer Sue Archer and between us they are developing well. I look forward to this time of year dealing with the babies but at the same time I feel sad that so many end up needing help, after their mums get run over, shot, poisoned or disturbed by people or yobs."
"WRAS tries its hardest to deal with as many casualties as possible and last year it cost over £25,000 to hand rear hundreds of baby or juvenile wild animals and birds, if anyone can help by making a donation it would be very much appreciated and this can be done online or by posting a donation to East Sussex WRAS, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE" said Trevor Weeks.
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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks, Director, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958
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