RSPCA: Help sickly seals and chilly hedgehogs this Christmas

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 2:16 PM

Give British wildlife a boost with an RSPCA virtual gift

Stuck for present ideas this festive season? How about financing some fish soup to help rehabilitate a poorly seal, or microwavable blankets to reheat underweight hedgehogs at risk from the winter cold.

These virtual gifts from the RSPCA – www.gifts.rspca.org.uk - are just two ways the public can help the charity care for the multitude of needy wild animals that come through its doors each year – from pipistrelle bats and snowy owls, to fallow deer, warblers, badgers and herons.

In 2010, about 1700 hedgehogs were cared for by the RSPCA’s wildlife centres, with many kept warm thanks to a cosy snuggle pad – available for £15 as an unusual but much coveted present for hoglets (baby hedgehogs) such as these pictured.

“Young hedgehogs can come into our care after being orphaned or through the colder months if they haven’t managed to reach a suitable weight for hibernation. Hoglets born later in the year can need a bit of TLC and some extra food to get them through the winter,” said Sophie Adwick, RSPCA wildlife scientist.

“The treatment we offer to wild animals will vary according to the species and the problem, but the care we provide can definitely be enhanced through the extra funding our virtual gifts raise. So these Christmas presents really can make a difference,” she added.

As a snapshot, last year the four RSPCA wildlife centres cared for around 215 seals, 300 foxes, 156 badgers, and 75 deer. A huge number and variety of birds also come into RSPCA care; and this is only the wildlife! The RSPCA also helps many, many pets, horses, donkeys and farm animals in need.

So what’s on offer from the RSPCA for discerning shoppers with a conscience this Christmas?

· £26 will pay for a fish soup for seals too sick or small to swallow their catch whole

· £100 will fund a new incubator, to help young wildlife survive

· £10 will cover one night’s bed and breakfast for a lost cat or dog

· £15 will help finance an investigation to break up a dogfighting ring

· £40 will get a pair of cow ‘shoofs’: breathable shoe bandages for a lame cow’s hooves.

Shoppers simply visit www.gifts.rspca.org.uk, choose a present, select whether the recipient should have a printed or emailed card, and add a personalised message.

Other gifts, both virtual and physical, along with a range of Christmas cards are also available on the website.

-ends-

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS 

Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

Bang! Fireworks frighten animals. Find out how to keep your pets happy this firewworks season: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/fireworks/-/article/CAD_BANGFireworksFrightenAnimals 

Tags:
• animal welfare
,
• christmas