DRIED & TESTED
Heat is taking toll on wildlife
STARVING and dehydrated creatures are overwhelming a wildlife care centre because of the warm, dry summer.
Tiggywinkles Animal Hospital says the number of patients has soared because the heat has dried up their water sources and killed off the bugs they feast on.
Birds and baby hedgehogs are among the worst hit.
Tiggywinkles veterinary nurse Francesca Campanaro said: “There’s so much coming in it’s non stop.
“We have seen a 25 per cent increase in animals we have taken in over the last few weeks.
“With the lack of water and the dry ground there’s nothing for them to eat or drink.”
Francesca, 37, has been working at the wildlife hospital near her home in Aylesbury, Bucks for the past 20 years, and has treated animals from a pelican to an African polecat.
To help the British wildlife in the warm weather, experts at the hospital suggest leaving out bowls of water and OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 22 years of experience and is a freelancer working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ Petplanuk. sometimes food to help them regain their strength. Sue Stoker, 73, who founded the hospital in 1983, said: “If you know you have hedgehogs around your garden put some dog food in a box some water in a shallow dish.
“Make a 4ins by 4ins entrance to the box to stop other larger animals getting near the food.”
The hospital also deals with injured wild animals. Francesca said: “We see quite a lot of deer. It ranges from ones hit by cars, to getting stuck in fences, and occasions when dogs unfortunately chase them and cause them severe injuries.
“Lots of people pick up baby deers thinking they have been abandoned.
“But with some breeds the mothers frequently leave and come back once a day to avoid predators finding them. It’s best to leave them unless they are visibly injured.”
If you come across a wild animal who has been hurt it is best to call your local wildlife hospital and seek their advice, Francesca suggests.
Sue added: “Hedgehogs in particular are endangered now. It’s important to ensure the future of these animals and look after our wildlife.” ONE of my cat’s eyes has clouded over, does this mean he is blind in this eye? Is it possible that the other eye will soon be out of action as well?
If you have a story about wildlife email us at pets@people.co.uk