Our Admissions Process

At CapesWildlifeRescue, we understand how worrying it can be to find a wild animal in need of help. We aim to make the admissions process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for both you and the animal.

To ensure every animal receives the appropriate care and that our team can safely manage incoming admissions, all animals must be triaged and admissions agreed in advance. Please do not arrive at the rescue site without prior authorisation.

Step 1: Contact Us

If you have found a wild animal that you believe needs assistance, please contact our team using the details provided on our website.

A member of our team will either triage your enquiry there and then or arrange to call you back as soon as one of our Wildlife Emergency Responders becomes available.

Please do not transport an animal to the rescue until an admission has been agreed and an arrival time arranged.

Step 2: Telephone Triage

During the triage process, we will ask you a series of questions to help us understand the animal's condition and determine the most appropriate course of action.

We may ask about:

• Species: What animal have you found?

• Location: Where was the animal found?

• Circumstances: How was it found, and what happened?

• Condition: Is the animal alert, moving normally, injured, bleeding or showing any other signs of illness?

• Photographs or videos: Where possible, we may ask you to send images to help us assess the situation.

• Current circumstances: Is the animal in immediate danger, and has it been safely contained?

This information helps us assess the urgency of the situation, determine whether the animal is suitable for admission to our facility and establish whether any immediate advice is needed.

Not every animal requires admission to a rescue centre. Depending on the circumstances, we may provide advice, recommend monitoring from a safe distance or direct you to another appropriate organisation or veterinary practice.

Step 3: Admission Arrangements

If, following triage, we determine that the animal requires admission to CapesWildlifeRescue, a suitable arrival time will be arranged with you.

We will then provide you with the necessary directions and details of our rescue site.

Please only attend at the agreed time. This allows our team to prepare for the animal's arrival, manage our existing patients and ensure an appropriate member of the team is available to receive it.

If your circumstances change or you are unable to attend at the agreed time, please contact us as soon as possible.

Step 4: Arriving at the Rescue

When you arrive at our site, please follow the directions provided and proceed to the designated admissions area.

Once there, press the doorbell to alert a member of our team, then wait in the admissions area until someone comes out to assist you.

A member of the team will meet you and safely take the animal into our care. Please keep the animal securely contained in its carrier or box until a team member is ready to receive it, unless you have been advised otherwise.

For everyone's safety, please do not enter animal accommodation or treatment areas.

Step 5: Completing the Admissions Form

When handing over the animal, you will be asked to complete and sign an admissions form.

This allows us to record important information, including the circumstances in which the animal was found, its location, any known injuries or concerns, and your contact details where required.

Accurate information is extremely valuable to our team and can help us make informed decisions about the animal's ongoing care and, where appropriate, its eventual release.

Step 6: Assessment and Treatment

Once the admissions process is complete, the animal will be taken into our facility and assessed by the team.

Depending on its individual needs, this may include:

• An initial health assessment and clinical observations.

• Appropriate housing, warmth and a quiet environment.

• Supportive care, fluids, nutrition or feeding assistance where indicated.

• Further veterinary assessment, treatment or medication where required.

• Ongoing monitoring, rehabilitation and preparation for release when appropriate.

Every animal is an individual, and the care provided will depend on its species, condition, welfare needs and suitability for rehabilitation.

Our aim is always to give each animal the best possible opportunity to recover and, wherever possible, return to the wild.

Important Information

• Do not arrive without an agreed admission. Our site is not open for unarranged animal drop-offs.

• Please wait for your agreed arrival time. This helps us manage admissions safely and efficiently.

• Follow the team's instructions. This helps minimise stress to the animal and protects the welfare of the animals already in our care.

• Provide accurate information. Details about where and how an animal was found can be vital to its treatment and eventual release.

• If the animal appears to be in immediate danger, explain this clearly when contacting us so that we can assess the urgency and advise you appropriately.

Thank you for contacting CapesWildlifeRescue and helping us provide the best possible care for our wildlife patients. Every admission begins with careful assessment, and your cooperation helps us make the process as safe and effective as possible.