The Scottish SPCA has launched their annual wildlife week following a record number of wild animals taken into their care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity cared for 9,359 wild animals in 2016 – a massive 29% increase in just two years.
Animals rescued include bats, otters, weasels, seals and more. Since the charity opened their new National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross in 2012 they have cared for over 35,000 animals.
Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “Our centre at Fishcross has allowed us to expand the number of wild animals we can care for by including on site veterinary facilities, seal, swan and otter pools, aviaries, wild mammal enclosures, paddocks and a stable block for deer.
“Wildlife Week gives us the opportunity to say thank you to all our supporters who made it possible for us to build and maintain this much needed centre, whilst also showcasing the fantastic work done by the team here.
“At present we have just under 1000 casualties at our centre, including 45 tawny owls who are almost ready for release.
“These tawny owls arrived in our care from all over Scotland, mostly having been found on the ground after being blown out of a tree, disturbed from their nest, or simply fallen while practising their flying ability.
“Our team here have helped get them fit and healthy, all ready for release back into the wild in the coming weeks.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Case Study:
The Scottish SPCA were able to release the last of the rare waxwing birds they had been rehabilitating back into the wild in March.
We were alerted at the beginning of February after the birds flew into a shop window in Edinburgh.
The waxwings were being rehabilitated at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where they were named Agnetha, Bjorn and Benny and Annifrid.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “These birds are winter visitors from Scandinavia who prefer a diet of fruit and insects.
“Waxwings can be difficult to keep in captivity but our specially trained members of staff were able to return all four back into the wild after they had recovered from a variety of injuries including a concussion and bruising to the wings.”
“The berry loving birds visit the UK during winter as they follow the slightly warmer weather to find food. When berries are unavailable they will feed on sap, buds, flowers and insects.”
Any keen bird watchers can identify the starling sized bird by its characteristic pointed crest, black throat, black pointed wings with red, white and yellow markings and their yellow tipped tails.
A seagull tangled in fishing wire 30ft up a cliff has been rescued by the Scottish SPCA and three members of the public.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Sunday 25 June after a seagull was discovered hanging 30ft up a cliff in Dunbar.
Animal Rescue Officer Sarah Auldsmith said, “I think the gull got trapped whilst up there trying to eat the Kittiwake eggs or chicks as the whole wall is full of nests.
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to get it down until three very helpful members of the public, Joel, Neil and Finlay McIntosh, came to the rescue! They managed to get ladders and made an instrument to cut the seagull down whilst I waited at the bottom to catch the bird.
“We successfully managed to untangle the seagull from the fishing line which was round its legs and wings and I was then able to take him to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross where he will get some rest before being released back into the wild.
“Joel, Neil and Finlay were great, without their amazing help I would have had to call the fire brigade for assistance, so we’d like to say thanks very much for their quick thinking!”
Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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