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.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
