Wildlife We Rescue

Every species matters. Every rescue starts with the right care.

At CapesWildlifeRescue, we provide rescue, rehabilitation and welfare-led care for a range of British wildlife. From tiny garden visitors to injured birds, our aim is to give every animal in our care the best possible chance of recovery and, wherever appropriate, return to the wild.

We accept a variety of wildlife species, subject to our available capacity, facilities and the individual animal's needs.

Please contact us before bringing any animal to the rescue. We operate within our available resources and cannot guarantee admission in every circumstance.

🦔 Hedgehogs

We admit hedgehogs requiring help, including those that are injured, unwell, underweight, orphaned or otherwise struggling to survive in the wild.

Hedgehogs may require supportive care, veterinary assessment, treatment and rehabilitation before they can be considered suitable for release.

We assess every hedgehog individually, with its welfare and prospects for recovery guiding our decisions.

🐦 Birds

We accept a range of wild bird species, including injured, grounded, unwell and orphaned birds, subject to our facilities and current capacity.

This may include garden birds, pigeons and doves, gulls, corvids, waterbirds and selected birds of prey.

Different species have different housing, nutritional and rehabilitation requirements, so admission will depend on whether we can provide the appropriate care.

Please note: We do not admit house martins, swifts or swallows. If you find one requiring assistance, please contact a specialist rescue experienced in the care of these species.

🐭 Small Mammals

We accept selected small mammal species requiring rescue and rehabilitation. Depending on the circumstances and our current capacity, this may include mice, rats, rabbits and other small wild mammals.

Each animal is assessed according to its species-specific needs, condition and suitability for rehabilitation.

Some species have specialist dietary, housing and licensing requirements, so please contact us before attempting to transport an animal to the rescue.

🦎 Reptiles

We can consider selected reptile admissions, depending on the species, circumstances and facilities available.

If you have found a reptile that appears injured, unwell or in danger, please contact us with a photograph and details of where it was found. This helps us establish the species and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Please do not assume that a reptile found outdoors is necessarily in need of rescue. Where appropriate, leaving a healthy animal undisturbed is often the best option.

Wildlife we cannot routinely accommodate

Large mammals

We do not routinely accept large mammals for long-term rehabilitation. These animals often require specialist facilities, substantial space and dedicated resources that we are not equipped to provide.

Where possible, we will signpost finders to a more suitable rescue or specialist organisation.

Please contact us before making arrangements to transport a large mammal. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to take the animal in.

House martins, swifts and swallows

Unfortunately, we are unable to admit these species.

They have highly specialised care and rehabilitation requirements, and we believe that referring them to an experienced specialist is the most appropriate option.

Please contact a suitable specialist rescue for advice and assistance.

Before contacting us

To help us assess whether we can assist, please provide:

• Species: If known, tell us what animal you have found.

• Location: Where was the animal found?

• Condition: Describe any visible injuries, symptoms or unusual behaviour.

• Photographs: If safe to obtain, send clear photographs to help with identification.

• Circumstances: Explain how the animal was found and how long it has been there.

Please do not give food, water or medication unless advised by an appropriately qualified professional, as inappropriate intervention can cause further harm.

Please do not arrive without prior authorisation. Our capacity changes daily, and we need to confirm that we can safely accommodate an admission before you travel.

Our commitment to wildlife

We believe that successful wildlife rehabilitation is about more than simply taking an animal into care. It means providing appropriate treatment, suitable rehabilitation and an outcome that prioritises the animal's welfare.

Not every animal can be admitted to every rescue, and referring an animal to a more suitable organisation is sometimes the most responsible decision. We will never admit a species we are not competent dealing with. 

Wildlife belongs in the wild. Our goal is to help animals recover and return to their natural environment wherever possible.

Thank you for helping us give British wildlife the best possible chance.