All sorts of wild animals come through our doors, from orphaned seals to injured badgers. Some are brought in by concerned members of the public, others arrive through our inspectorate.

Each wild animal needs to be identified and assessed. Many of them will be assessed by a vet who will make a clinical decision about the animal's treatment. Or it may be that it's a baby animal that needs to be cared for until it’s old enough to fend for itself.

Injured animals 

The swan on the right had been cruelly shot. He needed x-rays, antibiotics and a small operation to remove the shotgun pellets. Once he had fully recovered, we’re pleased to say, he was successfully released back into the wild. 

Orphaned animals 

The young grey seal on the left came to us whilst he was still a whitecoat, and had to be flown over from Jersey.

Whitecoat is the term given to grey or harp seal pups that have not yet moulted their soft, white fur. This young pup was only a couple of days old and his umbilical cord was still attached. 

We rehydrated him and gave him small fish so that he could learn how to feed. He then began to eat by himself and was kept in our pools until he reached his release weight of 42 kilos.

Specialist care

For as long as we use fossil fuel in this country, we will always suffer from oil pollution. Mallydams Wood admits more oiled birds each year than any other centre in the country. Staff and volunteers have built up expertise, which has driven change in oiled bird rehabilitation.

All of the animals that are released will be given a full health check to ensure that we are giving them the best chance of survival after release.