UK Wildlife Rescues
Rescue & Care in the UK
Every year, thousands of British wild animals are injured or killed because of human activities. As an international wildlife charity, Born Free works around the world, including the UK, where we support the work of numerous wildlife rescues and wildlife hospitals to rescue and rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wild animals.
The wildlife rescues and hospitals are managed by dedicated people who do not hesitate to give their free time to care for sick, injured and orphaned animals. With limited funds and no government or other guaranteed external funding, they take in wildlife casualties from the public, veterinary surgeries, local councils and other large agencies such as the RSPCA. As dedicated animal lovers, they never want to turn an animal in need away.
Through our UK small grants programme, Born Free can offer support to UK wildlife rescues and hospitals, by purchasing medicines, rescue and care equipment, rehabilitation enclosures, release pens and food. This support is vital in rearing orphaned young, providing intensive care, rehabilitation, and preparing animals for release back to the wild.
The funding provided by Born Free helps in different ways. Listed below are just a few of the wildlife rescues and hospitals we have supported in the UK.
Alfie the hedgehog, before being released by Forth Hedgehog Hospital
Projects we have supported
Organisation: The Fox Project, Kent
Amount: £1,000
Grant supported: Repairs and refurbishment of their fox cub unit
Organisation: Forth Hedgehog Hospital, Dunfermline
Amount: £500
Grant supported: Payment of veterinary bills
Organisation: Baby Beaks Garden Bird Rescue, Kinross
Amount: £493.95
Grant supported: Purchase of a Brinsea brooder
Organisation: Hogfields Hedgehog Rescue, Birmingham
Amount: £658.00
Grant supported: Purchase of pens, food and water bowls and heat pads
Organisation: Folly Wildlife Rescue, Kent
Amount: £719.48
Grant supported: Purchase of autoclave, binocular loupes glasses and cleaning tank for use in their veterinary unit.
To find out how to apply for a grant please email Tarnya Knight: tarnya@bornfree.org.uk
Supporting vets to improve veterinary care of British wildlife
In July 2020 Born Free established a working group to consider the issues relating to the veterinary care of wildlife casualties. The group comprised veterinary professionals (veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses), wildlife rehabilitators, representatives of veterinary organisations, and animal welfare charities.