As April draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the collective efforts of our team, volunteers, supporters, and community partners. Together, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless wildlife species, reaffirming our commitment to protecting and preserving our natural world.
Runham Wildlife Rescue continues providing care to injured and distressed animals with the love and compassion they need to thrive. As spring blossomed, so did the influx of wildlife in need of our care. Despite facing logistical hurdles and increased demands on resources, our dedicated team worked tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care to every animal that came through our doors.
Throughout April, we welcomed a diverse array of wildlife into our center. From orphaned baby birds to injured mammals, our intake numbers surged as mating season and warmer weather brought more animals into human contact.
The generosity of our donors and supporters continued to sustain our operations during April. Their contributions, whether through monetary donations or in-kind support, enabled us to cover essential expenses and expand our capacity to help more animals in need. However, financial sustainability remains an ongoing concern, and we are actively seeking innovative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of our center.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of providing compassionate care to wildlife in need. Our goals for the coming months include enhancing our rehabilitation programs, expanding our educational outreach initiatives, and strengthening partnerships within the community and beyond.
In recent days, RWR has seen a notable increase in the number of bird of prey admissions, all with wing injuries. Despite the challenges posed by these injuries, we are grateful that none have suffered fractures, which can significantly hinder their ability to recover and hunt successfully. This little one looks adorable but that is the look of pure disgust, the audacity of us putting on a tail guard to prevent feather damage.
The common kestrel measures between 32 to 39 centimeters from head to tail, with a wingspan ranging from 65 to 82 centimeters. Their preferred habitats include open landscapes such as fields, heaths, and marshlands, where they can readily find prey such as voles and other small mammals. Remarkably, common kestrels readily adapt to human settlements, thriving in environments where sufficient vegetation and prey are available.
A beautiful Rook, mistaken for a Carrion crow, arrives at RWR with a break to the radius.
Rook characterized by its large size, gregarious nature, and distinctive appearance. The rook, a member of the Corvidae family, boasts sleek black feathers that contrast starkly with the whitish featherless area on its face, giving it a unique and recognizable appearance. They are often found nesting collectively in the tops of tall trees, forming rookeries that serve as bustling hubs of activity during the breeding season. One of the most striking aspects of rook behavior is their highly sociable nature. Known for their placid nature, rooks are always a delight to work with, and we are providing this beautiful bird with the care it needs to heal and thrive once more.
An adorable wood mouse is brought to RWR with a wound to its face, likely from a cat bite. While the injury appears minor, we remain vigilant in administering pain relief and antibiotics to ensure a positive outcome for this resilient little creature.
Wood mice are predominantly nocturnal creatures, preferring to venture out under the cover of darkness to forage for food and explore their surroundings. Despite their diminutive size, they are adept climbers and burrowers, using their sharp claws and keen senses to navigate through dense vegetation and underground tunnels. Their diet consists primarily of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, making them important contributors to ecosystem dynamics and seed dispersal. Despite their small size, wood mice play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As seed dispersers, they help to regenerate plant populations and promote biodiversity within their habitats. Additionally, they serve as prey for a variety of predators, including owls, foxes, and snakes, forming an essential link in the food chain.
A hedgehog, having been trapped in a pipe for a considerable time, was brought to RWR suffering from flystrike on its face and bruising around its hips and legs. Despite this ordeal, there is hope for a full recovery as we provide a range of medications and fluid therapy to support its healing.
Hedgehogs serve as nature's pest controllers, consuming slugs, snails, and insects, thus contributing to the health and vibrancy of our gardens. Sadly, they face challenges like habitat loss and road traffic accidents. With conservation efforts and community support, we can help secure a brighter future for these cherished animals and safeguard their role in our ecosystem.
The arrival of baby guinea pigs brings joy to RWR, reminding us of the beauty of new life. These precious babies will be carefully nurtured and vetted before finding loving forever homes, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
We do occasionally get females in from an ex breeder background who are likely pregnant or old, we also get young males that can't be sold due to fungal infection which is easily treated. If anyone's in need of a companion or to expand their flock you can enquire what we have in. Please bare in mind we do ask a donation to cover being vetted. All babies will be 8-12 weeks depending on their needs before being rehomed and we don't give pregnant females out for rehoming.
We are happy to announce that we have four males and three females baby guinea pigs in our care and are seeking suitable homes for them. They will undergo health checks and receive treatment for parasites if necessary. An adoption fee is required. We are open to discussing the necessary living conditions for each animal and will require evidence before finalizing the adoption. For further details, please reach out to us via phone at 07506430246 or email us
We currently have newts in our care and are in need of additional housing options. While we do have a selection of small containers for reptiles and larger terrariums available, we're facing a shortage of smaller tanks and faunariums. If anyone has these items they no longer need, we would greatly appreciate any donations. Please reach out to us with a message and a photo of the items you're able to contribute.
A stunning goldfinch arrives at RWR with a damaged wing after hitting a window. While there are no fractures present, its ability to fly is compromised, requiring specialized care until it is ready to be released back into the wild.
This sociable bird thrives in the company of others, often forming loose breeding groups where its delightful twittering song fills the air with joy. Their fine beaks perfectly suited for extracting seeds from thistles and teasels, goldfinches showcase their resourcefulness as they visit bird tables and feeders, adapting to changing environments. As winter approaches, many of these colorful creatures embark on a migratory journey, with UK goldfinches traveling as far south as Spain in search of warmer climates.
Our sanctuary take many orphaned baby, flrdglengs and injured blackbirds and other garden birds into our care. Did you know? Wild birds often hide signs of pain when people are around, making it challenging to determine if they need help. If you come across a bird in distress, take pictures or videos and reach out to us for guidance.
If a bird has been caught by a dog or cat, there's a heightened risk of infection — even if there are no visible wounds. It's crucial to seek treatment for them promptly. Your quick action could make all the difference in their recovery.
Whether you encounter an adult or baby bird, it's essential to handle the situation with care. In spring and summer, it's common to find baby birds on the ground. If you spot one, keep your pets at away and follow our advice.
A selection of ducks with various injuries finds refuge at RWR, where they receive expert care and rehabilitation. One particular duck from Martham, with an injured leg and wing, has made remarkable progress and has been successfully paired with a female companion.
The Common Scoter, a sea duck with dark plumage, features males that are entirely black and females that are lighter with pale faces. They are commonly spotted offshore as large, bobbing rafts or in long, straggling lines along the coast. The UK's breeding population of this small diver has declined sharply, placing it on the Red List of species and is particularly susceptible to oil spills during winter. This sea duck dives for food and breeds on tundra lakes, spending winters at sea in coastal bays, estuaries, and harbors. The male is distinctively black with a knob at the base of its bill and a yellow wedge on top, while the female is dark brown with pale cheeks.
As April draws to a close, RWR sees a new influx of baby birds, primarily pigeons and doves. These tiny arrivals remind us of the ongoing need for support and donations to continue our vital work in caring for injured wildlife.
Harvest mice make their homes in grasslands and hedgerows, often among cereal crops such as wheat and oats. Their diet consists primarily of insects, seeds, grains, as well as nectar and native berries. These resourceful creatures are skilled at crafting woven grass nests above ground. They typically have 2-3 litters annually, from May to December, weather permitting. Hopefully, glimpsing their delightful faces brings a bit of cheer to this rainy day. If anyone wishes to assist in caring for these tiny patients, feel free to contact us anytime or donate through the provided link.
As we reflect on the events of April, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community and the dedication of our volunteers. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of animals, one patient at a time.
Despite the success stories and moments of joy, RWR faces financial strain due to legal bills and planning permission costs for our new site. We appeal to our supporters, no matter how small, to consider donating to help us continue our mission of providing sanctuary and care for animals in need.
If you would like to support Runham Wildlife Rescue and contribute to our ongoing efforts, please consider donating via PayPal at PayPal.me/runhamwildliferescue.
A huge thank you to the incredible group of individuals involved in a knitting/crochet fundraiser. Over Christmas and Easter, the wonderful Bernadette has been coordinating and enlisting knitters to create charming holiday-themed animals filled with a surprise. These creations have been selling like hotcakes! A heartfelt thank you to all the remarkable people who dedicated their time and energy to knit these animals, to the businesses that displayed them, and to everyone who purchased one, supporting our cause. An impressive £2000 was raised, which will be shared with us and F.A.I.T.H, aiding our rebuilding efforts that are expected to reach five figures. If you're interested in knitting, crocheting, or if you own a business and would like to sell these items at your point of sale, please contact us, and I will provide you with Bernadette's details.
Our spring raffle draw took place on April 6th, and we're thrilled to announce that we have numerous lucky winners! Thanks to your generous support, we've successfully raised funds to continue caring for our animals.
We're deeply grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission — you're truly making a difference in the lives of our furry friends. Your contributions mean the world to us and ensure that we can provide the care and support they need. Together, we're making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
All the fabulous items featured in our raffle are now available for purchase at our online shop. Whether you missed out on the raffle or simply want to support our cause further, you can browse our selection of goodies and find something you love. Contact us for more information on how to make a purchase. Remember, every item sold contributes to the well-being of our animals, so you're not just shopping, you're making a difference!
Despite our successes, April presented us with logistical and resource-related challenges. The increasing demand for our services necessitates a proactive approach to resource management and strategic planning. We are exploring avenues for sustainable growth and welcome collaboration and support from individuals and organizations who share our passion for wildlife conservation.
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