THE message that wildlife needs our help was loud and clear from Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital as it works hard to save the animals in its care.

Husband and wife team Mike and Marilyn Korkis along with a team of dedicated volunteers save and rehabilitate as many animals as they can.

The dry winters and hot summers have had a perilous impact on wildlife and some animals are unable to gain sufficient weight or are starving. 

Marilyn said: “The baby bird season is coming to an end, but baby pigeons are still at risk because they fledge and spend time on the ground.”

Animals are brought to the hospital for a variety of reasons but often include owls, hedgehogs, green woodpeckers, otters, and badgers.

The Hawk Conservancy will support the hospital by taking in birds of prey although this wasn’t possible for some months due to the risk of bird flu.

Marilyn said: “Hedgehogs are still being brought into the hospital. If you have hedgehogs in your garden, feed them dry kitten or cat biscuits - chicken and vegetable flavour is fine, and put out water. Do not put out milk.”

“If they are out during the day, there is usually something wrong. People can call us for advice,” she added.

In 2021, the wildlife hospital helped more than 4,000 animals and are trying to improve the facilities for both the animals and for those who give up their time to volunteer.

Marilyn added: “We really have outgrown our facilities.”

The hospital held a fundraiser recently so they could start expanding to cope with demand and raised almost £5,000 and Dame Judi Dench has pledged her ongoing support for the hospital. 

Marilyn and her husband take in animals as and when needed. If an injured animal is found or a person needs advice, they are happy to be contacted.

Marilyn said: “We don’t close. Wildlife still gets hurt even after hours.”

She added: “The girl that stood in for us when we were away said I respected you before this but now, I have to respect you even more.”

Recently, the hospital received a telephone call from Manchester asking for help which was a concern as it could mean insufficient wildlife support facilities in that area. 

If an injured animal is found, the team prefer people to call rather than bringing an animal straight to the hospital in Newton Tony. They are happy to provide advice if anyone has any concerns.

For more information, check the Wildlife Hospital website.

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