Charity urges Buddies to Go Wild for Wildlife
The Scottish SPCA has launched a new fundraising event encouraging the Scottish public to Go Wild for Wildlife.
Over lockdown, the Scottish SPCA successfully rehabilitated over 700 wild animals at their National Wildlife Rescue Centre and released them back in to the wild where they belong. Originally built in 2012 to care for around 5,000 animals a year, the centre now operates at double this capacity caring for over 10,000 creatures per annum.
The involvement of the Scottish SPCA can be the difference between life or death for animals like Al and Ness, two baby otters who were found alone without their mother.
Wildlife operations manager, Anna Keen said, “Al, the male otter, and Ness, the female cub, were both found just one minute’s walk apart from each other and were the same age and weight, suggesting they are siblings. We think that sadly something must have happened to their mum as they were approaching members of the public and crying.
“Al and Ness only weighed 850g and 870g respectively when they arrived at the centre so they were very tiny.
“As the cubs were so small, a member of our team took them home and hand reared them for nearly two weeks as they couldn’t eat independently yet.
“At this age, baby otters are still dependent on their mothers for food, so it’s unlikely they would have survived if they hadn’t been found. Al and Ness are now doing well, gaining weight and getting stronger every day.
“They will stay with us for around a year while they prepare to be released back in to the wild next summer.
“We really hope people will sign up to take part in Go Wild for Wildlife so we can continue the work we do saving animals like Al and Ness for many years to come.”
Those participating in Go Wild for Wildlife can do anything they like to raise funds from hosting virtual bake offs to shaving their head.
People are being encouraged to go as wild as possible to raise funds for Scotland’s iconic wildlife.
To find out more, visit scottishspca. org/GoWild