Trends in admissions and outcomes at a British wildlife rehabilitation centre over a ten-year period 2012-2022

Mullineaux, Elizabeth; Pawson, Chris

Abstract

Millions of animals pass through wildlife rehabilitation centres globally each year. Wildlife centre databases can provide an evidence base for treatment and contribute to conservation. Records of British animals admitted to a centre over a 10-year period were analysed. Birds were more frequently admitted than mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and nine species predominated the admissions; hedgehogs were the most common species admitted. Most admissions were in the summer and spring months, and juvenile animals were admitted more frequently than ‘orphans’ or adults. ‘Orphaned’ was also the predominant reason given for admission, followed by ‘injured’. A total of 42.6% of animals were eventually released back into the wild, 19.2% died in captivity, and 37.2% were euthanised. The outcome was better for orphaned animals than those admitted because of injury. Unexpected natural deaths in captivity were found to decline over the period of study, consistent with improved early triage. These findings can be used to focus training and seasonal resources on the species and case types most likely to be successful. The findings also have the potential to contribute to our understanding of anthropogenic impacts, historical and regional variations in ecosystem health, and resultant implications for animal welfare.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 21, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 26, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 26, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 3, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 4, 2024
• Journal: Animals
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 86
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010086
• Keywords: hedgehog; rescue; rehabilitation; triage; wildlife; welfare
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11457380