Fill a Christmas Shoebox and Help Protect Injured Wildlife
As the days get shorter and colder, and British wildlife prepares itself for the winter, Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill, Somerset is making an appeal for donations to help injured animals through the winter months.
The charity is asking members of the public and schools to get involved this Christmas time and send them shoeboxes filled with goodies that will help its team of animal carers look after the wild animals this winter.
Ellie Wallace, Learning and Engagement Officer at Secret World, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and schools to get involved with caring for British wildlife.
“Making up a shoebox of enrichment and food is an easy and fun way to engage children and get them to think about the needs of wildlife.
“Christmas is a time for giving and we don’t want our animals to be forgotten about. It would be wonderful if they were able to enjoy a little treat during the festive season.”
If people want to donate for a specific animal, the list below details what is appropriate for each species.
Badger:
- Dog meat (any variety)
- Dog biscuits (any variety)
- Custard creams (for weaning badgers)
- Dog kong toy (for enrichment while they are at Secret World)
- Peanuts
Fox:
- Dog meat (any variety)
- Dog biscuits (any variety)
- Chew toy and Dog Kong toy (for enrichment at Secret World).
Hedgehog:
- Cat meat (meat or poultry flavoured in jelly, no fish)
- Cat biscuits (meat or poultry flavoured, no fish)
- Fleece blanket
- Vet bed
- £15 for materials to build hedgehog shelters
- Hay bale (a little big perhaps to fit in a shoebox but perfect for hibernating!)
Bird:
- Fat balls
- Wild bird seed
- Peanuts
- Dried mealworms
- Bird feeders
- Sunflower seeds
- Plastic tweezers
Completed shoeboxes can be delivered to Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ.
Alternatively, supporters can drop them off at a number of points including several Proper Job stores, Pets at Home in Clevedon, Cadbury Garden Centre and Sanders Garden Centre. A full list of drop-off points is available here: https://www.secretworld.org/appeal/wildlife-christmas-shoebox-appeal/
Secret World Wildlife Rescue provides a 365-day-a-year service to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Members of the public who would like advice on how to look after wild animals or would like to report injured wildlife should call 01278 783250.
Notes for editors:
- Secret World Wildlife Rescue is one of the South West’s leading wildlife rescue charities (charity number 1097119) based in East Huntspill in Somerset.
- Now in its 26th year, Secret World Wildlife Rescue cares for more than 5,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.
- As well as being a respected source of expertise and a centre of excellence where British wildlife receives the best care, Secret World has an extensive volunteer programme and engages with schools to promote respect for wildlife and the environment, adding further benefits to the local community.
- As Secret World does not receive any government funding, it relies entirely on the generosity of supporters and donors to carry out this important work for British wildlife.
- The charity’s website is www.secretworld.org
