Secret World Wildlife Rescue in Somerset welcomed its first orphaned badger cub of the year this week which officially marks the arrival of spring for the charity.

A ten-day-old badger cub is currently being hand-reared at Secret World Wildlife Rescue after being brought in at the start of this week. He was found alone in the cold and was badly dehydrated and in poor health.

Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care Services at Secret World said: “The badger is suffering from a chest infection and we believe this is due to being exposed to the elements. He was prescribed antibiotics by the vet.

“We are never sure how an orphan will fare, especially when so young. However, he seems to be responding to the treatment and has increased his milk intake, which is promising.

“We currently feed him every three hours including through the night.”

The arrival of the first badger cub signifies the start of spring at the wildlife rescue centre – a time of year that is also referred to as “orphan season” by the staff and volunteers, as their intake of animals sharply rises.

Each year, Secret World rescues and rehabilitates about 20 badger cubs who will spend seven to eight months at the centre. The cubs are then reintroduced back into the wild when they are fully rehabilitated.

Each cub will cost a minimum of £1,500 to wean and rehabilitate.

Laura has some guidance to offer should you come across injured or orphaned badgers: “Badger cubs are being born any time from January onwards.

“If you find a dead badger on the road, and it is safe to stop, check for signs that it could be a lactating female as this may suggest there are young that have been orphaned. If people think that might be the case, they should contact their local badger group to report it.

“Young badger cubs tend to stay hidden in their sett. If people spot one out in broad daylight, that could also indicate that not all is well and we would advise them to get in touch with us for advice.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Secret World Wildlife Rescue

• Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a leading wildlife rescue charity (charity number 1097119)
• Secret World (or Bluebell Sett as it was then known) was founded in 1992 by Pauline Kidner.
• In 2005, Secret World Wildlife Rescue grew into a year-round wildlife rescue centre, caring for over 5,500 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.

Sarah-Jane Freni
Account Director
Shooting Star
0117 3131120
sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk

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