Staff braving the cold
Here at Secret World we are so lucky to have such dedicated staff who really do go above and beyond to look after our animals. This was especially the case during the heavy snow, when they trudged through deep drifts to reach our centre and ensure that all the animals in our hospital rooms were fed, medicated and cleaned. Heaters and incubators were running at full pelt to keep everything warm and safe, and reception took many calls about casualties. It was a busy few days, but we still found time for a snowball fight!
Just before the snow hit our Community Champions got together for a catch up, and warmed up with tomato soup. These are volunteers who represent Secret World in their local community, by distributing leaflets, putting up posters, and finding places to put collection tins. This is an important volunteer role, as it builds our awareness in the community, and we are always looking for more people to get involved. The role is very flexible, and can be as many or as few hours as you can manage. Visit the volunteer section of the website to find out more!
Lapwing
During the cold weather many rare birds arrived at our centre, including lapwings and plovers. Most of these were very weak from hunger, as they were unable to find food. They were joined by several woodcocks, who are secretive birds that were forced to go near to people to find food. With their long probing beaks they search for insects through the mud but the sub-zero temperatures made this impossible.
Little Egret
One of our response drivers Graeme was sent out to a Little Egret that was so weak from hunger it was sheltering near a wall to try and keep warm. Graeme was able to pick him up without a fight and bring him in. As soon as he arrived animal carer Jade gave him fluids by a stomach tube to hydrate him. He was then placed under a heat lamp to recover.
This week we have also been preparing for our legacy day, which takes place on Saturday March 10th, at 2pm. This will give people the chance to find out about making a will, ahead of our make a Will week in April. Making a will – or even thinking about a will – can be scary. This event aims to dispel some of the fears around wills and legacies. There will be talks from our partner solicitors and Valerie Singleton, one of our long-standing Patrons, will also be joining us on the day. If you need more incentive to come along we will be serving a delicious cream tea! We hope to see lots of you there!