Hedgehog families released on Mother's Day

Rehabilitated hedgehogs released back into the wild by Nature Trust Malta

A young hedgehog, released after a period of rehabilitation (Photo: Karen Goode)
A young hedgehog, released after a period of rehabilitation (Photo: Karen Goode)

Mother's Day was a special day for two hedgehogs that had been rehabilitated and released into the wild with their babies.

The hedgehogs were brought in because of injuries and were released on 11 May, after having spent some time in rehabilitation with Nature Trust (Malta)'s Wildlife Rescue Team.

The first female was rescued after being found with a large lesion on its face, probably caused by a larger animal or garden equipment. She gave birth to four young, three of which survived.

The second hedgehog mother arrived at the centre with four hoglets, after being discovered by construction workers. One hoglet died but the rest of the family survived the ordeal and went on to be released.

“It was a pleasure to rehab these mothers and their young, one could learn a lot about motherhood from this experience. The mothers were totally dedicated to raising their young”, said a NTM volunteer.

The volunteers keep interaction as minimal as possible so as not to change the behaviour of the hedgehogs under rehabilitation.  

Hedgehogs can be found all around Malta and Gozo. Due to urbanisation, heavy traffic and degradation of our natural environment, hedgehogs are endangered. The NGO urges the public to drive carefully especially on country roads and lanes, where many of these animals are run over by vehicles. 

The NGO is also working to launch the HSBC Adopt a Hedgehog campaign, which will help raise funds for medication and food while raising awareness about hedgehogs. The campaign will also be introducing the 'Attention Hedgehogs' signs that will be erected on roads which frequently see hedgehog accidents.

Nature Trust (Malta)'s Wildlife Rescue Team is a team of volunteers who rescue local injured wildlife. Anyone who finds an injured wild animal can call on 9942 2086 or 9999 9505.  The NGO can also be contacted on [email protected] or by visiting the Facebook page. 

Those wishing to give a donation which will go towards the upkeep of the rehab animals and the new rehab centre can do so on HSBC account no 039 069000 009 or by post to P.O. Box 9, Valletta, VLT1000.  The NGO thanks the public for its kind support.