We interrupt our scheduled programming to bring you what could well be our cutest patient of the year, so far (because it’s only January 11th)!
Just look at that face. Heartbreakingly, this red-listed dormouse was found at the bottom of a recycling bin, a rather unusual nest choice for hibernation. Usually curled up and snoozing in hollow tree branches or dense shrubs until around March, the bottom of a bin is no place to dwell in freezing temperatures.
Once in care, “Walnut” became quite the WAF superstar, winning over everyone’s hearts with her endearing enjoyment of her food. After receiving advice from the Surrey dormouse group, Walnut will remain with us (under license as a protected species), where we have placed her in an artificial nest inside a secure pen, allowing her to re-enter hibernation.
After a fascinating 102 days in care, Walnut finally woke up from her long snooze. Although, she did intermittently wake up during her hibernation with us, over the last two weeks she has become increasingly active. So, having had their incredible support and expertise, over the last few months, it was only right that the Surrey Dormouse Group gave our adorable, red-listed dormouse her freedom day into a hazel dormouse-friendly site, giving her the best chance of success back in the wild!
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