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Oxfordshire wildlife rescue cannot take any more animals

BBC Three owls sit on a branchBBC
Of the 300 admissions at Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue, birds are the most common patient

A wildlife rescue centre has stopped taking in any more animals after reaching its capacity.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue, near Didcot, has at least 300 patients, predominantly baby birds as well as foxes, badgers and deer.

Owner Luke Waclawek wrote on social media that taking more patients would start affecting the quality of care.

Higher demand has been partially blamed on the heatwave, while staff were also struggling with limited facilities.

The charity said it had treated 3,500 animals this year but it was now "full to the brim".

Wildlife charity owner Luke Waclawek holds one of the birds
Owner Luke Waclawek said the centre was struggling with limited facilities

Mr Waclawek told the BBC: "It's really hard as there are animals out there that are going to struggle. Every patient matters."

The rescue centre said it had seen an influx of animals suffering severe dehydration in the recent hot spell.

Mr Waclawek also said urban development was a factor as the charity had noticed large numbers of animals coming from built-up areas.

In addition, the charity's facilities were in a "chokehold", he said, and the centre needed to expand its resources to meet demand.

"We want to build a wildlife hospital that can cater for everything," Mr Waclawek added.

If people find a sick or injured wild animal, the charity suggests taking it to the nearest veterinary clinic, calling the RSPCA or finding the closest wildlife rescue centre.

A close up of a hedgehog
With so many animals coming into the rescue, the charity has had to close its doors
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