A RECORD number of wild animals have been returned to their natural habitats after being cared for by one of Scotland's top wildlife charities.
The Scottish SPCA released 4,651 wild animals in 2015, a huge leap from the 1,881 released in 2010.
Among the critters cared for were foxes, otters, squirrels, wild birds of prey and hedgehogs, which were all nursed back to health before being set loose once again.
The success of the wildlife welfare programme has been put down to the veterinary care available at the £3.5 million National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, which opened in 2012.
Centre manager Colin Seddon, said, “Last year we were able to rescue and release more animals back to the wild than ever before. This was a 147 per cent increase on 2010’s figures which is quite incredible.
“The significant rise is partly due to our relocation in 2012 to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross from our former site in Dunfermline, which was being stretched to cope with the volume and diversity of animals we were rescuing.
“The £3.5 million development which was funded entirely by donations allows us to care for more sick, injured and orphaned wild animals than ever before."
He highlighted a number of success stories made thanks to staff at the centre, including that of three week old fox cub fox cub Utah, which was found by a member of public on a road in Lanarkshire.
The orphan was introduced to another fox cub of a similar age which helped it develop the type of behaviour needed to fend for itself in its natural habitat.
Another case saw otter cub Buddy bottle fed milk and hand fed a diet of fish after it was discovered crying on a doorstep in distress without his mother.
Although the 10 week old cub was weak and underweight, its condition improved and there are now plans to release it into the wild at the end of the year.
Mr Seddon added: “Releasing wild animals fit and healthy back to their natural habitats is always our aim wherever possible so these statistics is incredibly encouraging.
“At Fishcross we benefit from on-site veterinary facilities which means we don’t have to move animals once they are here, keeping human interaction and stress to an absolute minimum.
“Our staff provide a very high standard of care for Scotland’s wildlife and we are tremendously proud of our progress.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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