Let’s face it - we all need it when we aren’t feeling well! Warmth is 

 one of the key factors for saving the lives of animals that come into 

 our centre, often in shock and in many cases,hypothermic. Once

 casualties are that cold, the body system starts to shut down and

 any chance of fighting off infection is gone. We need your help to

 ensure that we can keep our casualties warm during winter months.

 Smaller animals such as baby hedgehogs, rabbits, birds, badger and

 fox cubs are put into incubators. Larger animals, like deer, otters,

 badgers, foxes and swans are placed under heat lamps. Heat may also

 be from a hot water bottle or even leaves that have been dried to

 help hedgehogs build their nests to hibernate in. When wildlife

 orphans come in, we have to warm them slowly because if they get

 too hot it can lead to dehydration. As the body chills, all the warmth

 is stored around the vital organs to protect them and the blood

 vessels collapse on the extremities. If warmed too quickly the animal

 will die and so it is a fine art to bring the animal back to life.

 I’m sure that as it is for most of you in the winter, heating is one of

 our biggest bills. Warm facilities are essential for the casualties but

 also for the staff and volunteers who are so often struggling against

 the bitter winter weather. 

 With your help, we can continue saving the lives of so many animals that are

 unable to survive unaided throughout the winter.  You can make their

 release in the Spring a reality – a time we are all looking forward to when new

 life starts again.