Guernsey Press

Hedgehogs back in the wild after GSPCA care

AN ARRAY of healthy hedgehogs has been released back

Published
GSPCA volunteer Beckie Bailey with the released hedgehogs. (Picture supplied by GSPCA)

into the wild to roam free once again.

The last two months have been busy at the GSPCA, with many hedgehogs in need of rescue and care. However, last month two GSPCA volunteers were able to witness the fruits of their labour when eight hedgehogs were released.

GSPCA volunteer Beckie Bailey, left, and GSPCA animal care assistant Sarah Ozanne release the hedgehogs. (Picture supplied by GSPCA)

GSPCA animal care assistant and volunteer Sarah Ozanne – who is also a veterinary nurse at Isabelle Vets – joined fellow GSPCA volunteer Beckie Bailey at a carefully selected location for the release.

‘It is always amazing when we are able to return any wild animal back where they belong,’ said Ms Bailey.

‘Each of the eight hedgehogs came in needing our help.’

Hedgehogs brought to the shelter are named by the person who found them or, in some cases, a GSPCA staff member.

Last month’s release were named Marias, Harry, Blackberry, Cheeky, Tamzin, Bailey, Sonic Boom and George.

‘Bailey was one of those found extremely young without its mother and I got to take him home and hand rear the hoglet and it was wonderful to see him back in the wild,’ said Ms Bailey.

GSPCA animal care assistant and Isabelle Vets nurse Sarah Ozanne with the released hedgehogs. (Picture supplied by GSPCA)

‘Others came in extremely thin or with injuries, mange or covered in parasites.

‘One hedgehog, George, we returned back to the same location as he only came in a couple of days ago and is perfectly healthy,’ she said.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said it was amazing to see photos of the release.

‘An array is the name used for a group of hedgehogs and what an array they were being released back to the wild looking so healthy and sporting the purple paint we use to identify them when they are released from the GSPCA.’

Mr Byrne said there were currently 14 baby hoglets being hand-reared.

A hedgehog back in the wild. (Picture supplied by GSPCA)

‘It is extremely busy with hedgehogs coming into the GSPCA.

‘Many of the new arrivals have strimmer and hedge cutter injuries, others are orphaned, we’ve had those covered in mange, some extremely thin and emaciated and it seems every few hours we are out rescuing hedgehogs or they are arriving into our care,’ he said.

‘We currently have an incredible 127 hedgehogs in our care with a few additional babies that have been born which we

can’t yet disturb as they are so young.’