We share our towns, villages and countryside with an incredible variety of wildlife, but it's easy to take their presence for granted. Most of the time, we only stop to think about wild animals when something has gone wrong, an injured bird by the roadside, a hedgehog struggling to cross a busy street or a young fox in need of help.
For charities like Cuan Wildlife Rescue, these moments are an everyday reality. Every year, they care for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds, providing expert treatment, rehabilitation and, wherever possible, the chance to return them to the wild.
It's remarkable work, but it can only continue because people choose to support it.
Caring for Shropshire's wildlife, 24 hours a day
Since 1990, Cuan Wildlife Rescue has been dedicated to caring for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds across Shropshire. Today, it is the county's only wildlife rescue centre offering a 24-hour emergency service, ready to respond whenever help is needed.
Each year, the charity admits around 6,000 wildlife casualties. Every patient receives immediate treatment, from pain relief and fluid therapy to wound care and emergency veterinary attention where needed.
For some, recovery takes days. For others, it can take weeks or even months. But every animal is given the same goal: the opportunity to recover and return to the wild.
Adult animals are released back where they were found whenever possible, giving them the best chance of returning to familiar territory and, in many cases, reuniting with a mate.
It's a simple mission, but one that makes an extraordinary difference.
When compassion meets commitment
Wildlife rescue is unpredictable. One day may bring an injured owl, the next an orphaned hedgehog or a fox caught in a snare. The team never knows what the next phone call will bring, but they're always ready to help.
Many of the animals Cuan Wildlife Rescue cares for have been injured as a result of human activity, from road traffic and litter to traps and other hazards. While these situations are often heart breaking, they also remind us that every rescue is possible because people care enough to support this vital work.
Why regular support matters
Running a wildlife rescue centre isn't just about responding to emergencies. It means maintaining specialist facilities, providing food and medication, working with experienced veterinary professionals and being prepared every single day for the next animal that arrives.
That kind of commitment depends on reliable funding.
That's why sustainable fundraising is so important. While one off donations are always appreciated, regular unrestricted income gives charities the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their services and continue being there when they're needed most.
For Cuan Wildlife Rescue our GivingLottery is helping provide exactly that.
Already, 25 amazing supporters are playing in support of the charity, helping generate an estimated £873 this year. Every ticket contributes towards the ongoing care of Shropshire's wildlife while giving players the opportunity to win fantastic prizes of up to £25,000.
It's a simple way to provide consistent support that can have a lasting impact.
Helping protect wildlife for the future
Protecting wildlife doesn't always mean supporting large conservation projects. Sometimes, it means helping a local charity be there when an injured animal needs them most.
By supporting Cuan Wildlife Rescue through our GivingLottery, you're helping provide the reliable funding they need to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing thousands of wild animals each year.
Because every rescue starts with someone who cares.
About the author
Michelle Logli
Michelle supports the team with all aspects of administration and manages some of our social media platforms. With a background in healthcare, Michelle has a passion for helping others.