Wildlife hospital having its 'busiest ever year'

An animal sanctuary in Leicestershire says it is having its busiest year since opening more than four decades ago.

Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital has been caring for creatures in need since 1984 and moved to its current site in Kibworth Beauchamp in 2010.

Hospital bosses said they had admitted 650 animals since the start of this year - nearly a 50% increase on the number reached at the same point in 2024.

They are appealing for more donations to help them deal with the demand.

Amy Blower, animal care leader at the hospital, said it had been "pretty crazy" this year with the warm weather in recent weeks causing problems for wildlife like baby birds and hedgehogs.

"Because we have not had much rain, some of the animals are struggling to get the insects out of the ground," she said.

The hospital is run by about 80 volunteers but the volume of admissions is still putting pressure on their time.

Ms Blower said: "We need to make sure we have got the funds to care for these animals as we may get to a point where we limit the amount of animals we take in.

"We're getting a lot of baby birds coming in and hedgehogs that are very thin. One hedgehog was tangled in a football net in someone's garden.

"Our running costs are between £10,000 and £15,000 every month. Now we are admitting a lot more animals, the costs are only going to increase.

"They all need veterinary attention, the right food and we need electricity to keep the animals warm.

"Our running costs are between £10,000 and £15,000 every month. Now we are admitting a lot more animals, the costs are only going to increase.

"They all need veterinary attention, the right food and we need electricity to keep the animals warm."

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