Vote for Urban Squirrels This April and Help Rescue and Provide Sanctuary to Grey Squirrels
Introducing the first charity taking part in the My Favourite Voucher Codes poll this April: Urban Squirrels! This London wildlife rescue unit works to help some of the most commonly injured, orphaned and misunderstood creatures in the UK, grey squirrels. If you want to learn more about these little lives and how you can help them, then read all about Urban Squirrels below and don’t forget to vote in this month's charity poll!
Who Are Urban Squirrels?
Urban Squirrels is a London-based licensed wildlife rescue unit that specialises in grey squirrels: care, advice and advocacy. They aim to take in injured or orphaned squirrels, mostly babies, and hand-rear and/or treat them as necessary. Our bushy-tailed clients are brought to Urban Squirrels directly by members of the public, or referred by vets and other rescue organisations.
For more detailed information, cute squirrel pictures and rescue updates, follow Urban Squirrels on:
How Did Urban Squirrels Begin?
Urban Squirrels was started by Natalia Doran and her son Jonny, who is a young adult with autism. Jonny wanted to work with animals, and, with support, got his Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care. However, his disability, which is severe (autism is a spectrum, and Jonny is at the severe end of it) makes it impossible for him to work outside the home, even in a voluntary capacity. So they looked at their circumstances, in terms of the care they are able to provide, and the public need, and put two and two together to focus on grey squirrel rescue.
But Why Grey Squirrels?
For Londoners, as for other urban residents, grey squirrels are the only diurnal wild mammal whom they see on a regular basis. Furthermore, because grey squirrels are highly intelligent, they quickly figure out whether a particular human is a danger to them or not, and form friendships that are mutually beneficial: the squirrel gets extra food, the human gets animal companionship that otherwise might be denied to them because of their life circumstances. Befriending a grey squirrel can be like having a pet, but without the responsibility! During the recent Covid-related lockdown many people saw grey squirrel as their “lockdown buddies” and considered them essential for their mental health. One person, who attributed his getting over post-traumatic stress to grey squirrel companionship, said to me that grey squirrels should be prescribed on the NHS! When something happens to these squirrels, or their young, their human companions expect to find a rescue pathway, and this is what Urban Squirrels rescue unit is proud to supply.
But Aren’t Grey Squirrels Non-Native?
Grey squirrels occupy a very interesting position in the UK. On the other hand, they are non-native, having been brought from America around 150 years ago, and, because of the current academic fashion for everything “native”, some people dislike them, persecute them, and even organise mass killings. However, grey squirrels have proved an excellent ecological fit, and are now firmly established in the British habitat. Many people love and admire the furry acrobats for their agility, intelligence and sheer survival drive, and are happy to watch them, and sometimes feed them, in the parks and in their gardens.
But Don’t They Kill Red Squirrels And Destroy Trees?
These are urban myths, and Urban Squirrels spends a lot of time debunking them. Please have a look on their website for details, including advocacy pages, essays, references to scientific research, campaign updates, and much more. The address is https://www.urbansquirrels.co.uk.
What Care Do Squirrels In Rescue Need?
The work of Urban Squirrels is very rewarding, but challenging as well. Baby squirrels have to be fed formula every 4 hours round the clock, and are not fully weaned till they are a couple of months old. Injured squirrels require veterinary attention – fortunately, they are located close to a surgery run by a vet who is a wildlife specialist. Last but not least, just keeping a high number of animals in one location means a phenomenal amount of cleaning. Fortunately, Urban Squirrels has a network of capable volunteers and generous supporters to enable the work in normal circumstances. However, Urban Squirrels (as well as every single wildlife organisation that helps grey squirrels) is not currently operating in normal circumstances, not by a long shot.
What Is The Crisis that Urban Squirrels Is Facing At The Moment?
Recent legislation (Invasive Alien Species Order 2019) makes it illegal for animal rescue centres to return back to the wild grey squirrels whom they help. In reality, it is not an exaggeration to say that British grey squirrel rescue is almost destroyed. Residential places are full and animals have to be turned away or euthanised!
Urban Squirrels has applied for a judicial review of this legislation, and the papers are now in court.
What they are trying to do is basically save grey squirrel rescue in this country. At the time of writing they know that animals are being put to sleep by vets, or left to die in parks and gardens, because rescue centres cannot legally help them. Vets, rescue centre workers and compassionate members of the public are traumatised and demoralised in the process. This situation cannot be right, and, with their help, they can continue to challenge it.
What Is Urban Squirrels Fundraising For?
Urban Squirrels is fundraising to continue with the judicial review process, and the current target is £5000. There will be further costs later on too, because judicial reviews are notoriously expensive. But they feel that the legal fight is thoroughly worth pursuing. There is so much at stake, affecting every vet, wildlife hospital and compassionate wildlife lover in the country. If enough of them contribute even a small sum, together they can make a big difference!
If you want to help protect grey squirrels in the UK and support the rescue of these amazing creatures, then cast your free vote for Urban Squirrels today! Head over to our Homepage to vote and don’t forget to share the poll with friends, family and colleagues to give squirrels a fighting chance and protect these terrific tree dwellers.