East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has marked a historic milestone in its mission to protect local wildlife, admitting its 6,000th casualty of 2024—the highest number in the charity’s history. The record-breaking patient, a wobbly and underweight hedgehog discovered in Hollingbury, Brighton, was rescued by Brighton & Hove Wildlife Advice & Rescue Service and transported to WRAS’s Casualty Centre for urgent care.
This achievement highlights a year of unprecedented demand, with every month except January seeing record-breaking numbers of wildlife admissions. Trevor Weeks MBE, WRAS’s Founder & Operations Director, explained the organization’s challenges in meeting the surge: “The demand on our service is huge and ever-increasing, stretching us to our limit. We are already trying to plan for next summer’s busy season, but we know it’s going to be hard.”
Unfortunately, more than 90% of WRAS’s cases stem from human-related incidents, as ongoing development across East Sussex places local wildlife at greater risk of injury and displacement. This surge in cases reflects a national trend, with over 45 wildlife rescue centres closing down in the UK this year, putting even more pressure on organizations like WRAS.
WRAS has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers and financial support to maintain its work into the future. With growing public awareness of WRAS’s essential role, the charity is determined to meet the rising demand but acknowledges that additional resources are crucial.
“Our work not only supports wildlife but helps preserve biodiversity for future generations,” Weeks emphasized. “We need the community’s help to keep WRAS alive and well.”
To support East Sussex WRAS in its efforts, visit their website or consider donating to help keep this essential service operational.
