Harriet’s Fight Back

Rescue - 22/08/2026
Rehabilitation - 22/08/2026
Release - 05/10/2026

Rescue

When little Harriet arrived, she was extremely cold, weak and distressed. Shortly after, she went into respiratory collapse and stopped breathing.

We believe she had been poisoned.

badger

Rehabilitation

In a desperate race against time, Harriet was placed on a ventilator while our amazing veterinary nurse, Kayleigh, helped her to manually breathe.  For those tense moments, every second counted as our team fought to keep this little badger alive.

Thankfully, after those terrifying moments, Harriet began breathing again. And, after some time, her breathing gradually improved. Our team gave her fluids, warmth and medication to help her recover.

Once awake, little Harriet was placed in a safe space to recover, where she could be closely monitored and given a special diet to provide her weakened body with the nourishment it so desperately needed.

Only a few days afterwards, Harriet was like a completely different badger. She was bright, alert and even a little feisty! To see her go from being unable to breathe to running around her pen is truly incredible. It’s a huge testament to her strength and the incredible care she received from our amazing team.

Release

A while later, Harriet was finally ready for release. But her road to recovery wasn’t easy. It took so much time and expert care from our team to effectively manage the effects of the poison. Without them, Harriet would not be here today.

We are so proud of how far she has come and were so happy to see her finally return to the wild.

badger

Harriets situation could have been avoided. The use of rodenticides kills so much of our wildlife, each year. Please, stop the use of rat poison and other harmful pest control methods. And, if you know anyone still using these methods, please educate them on the harm it causes.

Adopt a badger

Click on the adoption button below and become a badger adopter today.

We need your help

Any help you give can make a huge difference and keep us saving wildlife.

When you donate you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals here at the hospital.

When you adopt an animal you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals of your chosen species here at the hospital.

How your donation could help

£10

donation

Could provide medicine for a sick animal

£25

donation

Could provide worming treatment for hedgehogs and other small mammals

£50

donation

Could help rear an orphaned hedgehog

£100

donation

Could help us treat and care for an injured badger