Some of you may remember, I recently took part in a competition run by Worldwide Experience to become the ‘Voice of Conservation‘. I was thrilled to receive first place, and have been awarded an all expenses paid trip to spend two months at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa.

I will be leaving for South Africa on the 27th of September. Here I will be involved with tracking and monitoring the wildlife, which includes the big 5, general maintenance of the reserve, assisting the team hands on at the Shamwari wildlife center, and also helping at the Born Free big cat sanctuary. During my time there I will be sharing my experiences with the community by carrying out daily blog posts, with exclusive video footage and pictures, live updates via facebook and twitter (@KarraRothery), live video streaming direct from the field, and also running competitions.

My daily blog posts can be followed here: http://www.worldwideexperience.com/blog/

I hope this will not only be an adventure for me, but also an opportunity for those following to gain a greater understanding of conservation and the work carried out from the front line. So make sure you bookmark the blog page! =)

I had an incredible send off, with an African themed fancy dress it was a brilliant turn out. Elephants, leopards, lions, giraffe.......and tigers?!? Haha! My work colleague also gave me the most amazing leaving present, a set of incredible binoculars! I have already been spying on the pigeons out the window....next...big cats! Yippie!

My last day of an amazing week, and I am very sad to go! Today I was on the bird section, and I had a brilliant day.

We headed up to Lorikeet lagoon for the morning feed. As soon as you get up close you can hear them singing happily. Charlie sent me in to fetch the empty food and water bowls. I peered inside and could see a dozen brightly coloured rainbow lorikeets, they were absolutely gorgeous. I started gathering their bowls and suddenly felt light feet on my shoulder, a lorikeet was chirping eagerly at me.

We then went into their outside enclosure and began placing down their food. They were so eager that they perched on my bucket and began eating it straight from there! But they were utterly adorable!

Rainbow Lorikeets. Photo by: Opals-on-black.com

Next up was the feeding and cleaning rounds back down in the main zoo. I assisted with the feeding of the penguins, white-naped cranes, great grey owls and the African ground hornbills. With the hornbills, Charlie suggested building a sandcastle and then burying their mealworms inside. Feeling like a kid back on the beach I built my little castle and it was great seeing the hornbill smash it back down searching for food.

The red legged seriema then needed their worming medication, so myself, Charlie and Mel, each armed with a net went into their enclosure. We quickly grabbed one of the babies, and administered the medication. I then had to cling onto the first baby, so the second could be caught, as we would be unable to tell them apart. The adults were also then caught and medicated.

Red Legged Seriema. Photo by: Paulo V. F. Barradas

A photogrophaer then appeared, interested in taking pictures of the moluccan cockatoo chicks. Charlie first enticed the adults outside as otherwise they would attack us if we got near their babies. She then reached inside, and pulled out a miniature cockatoo! After a few piccies she handed the little baby to me so she could get the second chick out. It snuggled into my fleece.....it was absolutely adorable!

Moluccan Cockatoo. Photo by: JunCTionS

As we were heading back to prepare the evening feed for the lorikeets we suddenly got a radio message, browse was available! Browse is animal friendly vegetation, usually from trees cut down on site, and it provides great enrichment for most animals. It was like a stampede! Everyone started running! They all wanted it for their animals. As we got to the site the gorilla keeper already had a huge truck full, and with a big grin on his face made a speedy getaway. But there was tonnes of it, and we filled our little van full to the brim and headed up to the lorikeets.

While I started unloading the browse Charlie went to sort out the blockage in the filtration system. In the process I managed to stab myself in the eye with a stray branch, but I quickly recovered and went to help Charlie with the filtration. Soaking wet and covered in mud, we eventually got it working!

I was sad to say goodbye, Chessington is an incredible zoo, and animal welfare is their priority. Their record of successfully breeding endangered species is incredible, and animals will only breed if they are happy. The enclosures are well kept with plenty of space, and the animals are provided with enrichment every day. They know which animals they are capable of keeping and will not risk keeping any animal that would not remain healthy in their zoo.

If I do ever become a keeper, it will definitely be at a zoo like Chessington.

I am really achey and sore this evening! Today was a lot of manual labour! I will definitely be feeling this in the morning!

First task was to thoroughly scrub down the interior of the squirrel monkey enclosure. Muck was splashed on the platforms, up the walls and even across the window, so every inch needed scrubbing with trigene. As I started scrubbing the monkeys peered inside, inquisitive to see if I had brought them food. Two females appeared with tiny babies on their backs, their little faces peering out. They were adorable.

Squirrel Monkey. Photo by: mape_s

We then cleaned out the spider monkeys, I filled 5 huge bags with wet, smelly straw, which we then carried round to the bins. Unfortunately I managed to pick the wettest bag, and after carrying this over my shoulder, found it leaked all down my back and on my legs. Yuck! I quickly forgot about it when I watched Maz feeding the spider monkeys, two huge crates of fresh fruit and veg, they quickly got stuck in.

Spider Monkey. Photo by: Ivan Mlinaric

Most of the afternoon was spent gardening, and it was hard work! Maz was creating her own 'bamboo garden' as the gentle lemurs loved eating it. We began by planting one row of bamboo plants in an already dug ditch. Easy enough. But then Maz suggested digging another ditch for a second row. I was determined to tackle this task. But the ground was literally clay, and I managed to get half way before its started to rain. But I was thankful. Any more and I may have collapsed into a heap!

I then went and helped Maz prepare the fruit and veg. She was like a chopping machine! She then made a 'gourmet plate' for the squirrel monkeys and red handed tamarins. Cooked noodles, biscuits, mealworms and a special 'tamarin cake'. They ate better than I did! Maz carried out the gourmet plate, a waitress for monkeys! As soon as it was down they made a beeline for the cooked noodles. They loved it!

We then went round to feed the gentle lemurs, I peered into the enclosure and was thrilled to see the newborn baby clinging onto mum. They had been worried as yesterday they kept finding the baby on the floor, and a stillborn twin had been found later that evening. But today everything looked well. Baby was moving around and mum looked content.

Gentle Lemur. Photo by: Jon Mountjoy

Tomorrow is my last day, and I will definitely be sad to go, but I have Shamwari to look forward to in just over a week! For those of you who want to follow my journey make sure you keep an eye on the blog over at Worldwide experience. I am currently running a twitter contest so make sure you enter!

http://www.worldwideexperience.com/blog/win-a-copy-of-born-free-by-joy-adamson

I eagerly rushed in this morning, I would finally get to see what it would be like as a big cat keeper! I was quickly put to work....window cleaning....

I peered into the enclosures as I started washing the outsides but not much was happening. The tigers had been taken indoors and the lions were lazing around at the top part of their enclosure. I moved round to the leopard enclosure and I could see one of the youngsters crouched low behind the rockery just out of view. I focused on my task at hand, trying to prevent streaks is not easy! Suddenly out of no-where the leopard pounced up at the glass. I jumped out of my skin! She had shown her amazing stalking skills and caught me out! It just goes to show how these stunning animals are such effective predators.

Persian Leopard. Photo by: Just Chaos

Next I was taken round to the back of the tiger enclosure. The tigers had been brought inside so we could access their main area. To see such an incredible animal up close is amazing. The tigers make a 'chuffing' noise, their vocal way of saying 'hello'. To hear a tiger chuffing click here. Adam was already in the main area cleaning out the pond, so I went round and picked up any poop and cleaned the insides of the windows. We then got to work cleaning the insides of the leopard enclosure, washing the floors and replacing the sawdust.

Now it was feeding time for the tigers. Each animal has a slab of meat with a specific weight. I went and hid one under a bush and the other was hung over a tree branch. Safely back out of the enclosure the tigers were let loose. They quickly found their meaty treats and began devouring them.

Sumatran Tiger. Photo by: Brimack

The afternoon was feeding and enrichment time for the rest of the animals. The leopards were first for their feed, when they were safely shut away the meat was placed around their enclosure while I did a quick poop check. They were then let loose. Kalaf, the male, went straight to the meat hidden in a tyre. He attempted to pick it up but it was jammed in so tight that the wheel lifted up with it. So instead he just sat there eating out of the tyre as though it was a plate! Adam suggested giving him a knife and fork to go with it........

Next up were the lions. With out bucket of meat in hand we went round to their enclosure. As soon as we got close Ashok, the male, charged straight towards us, letting out a huge hungry growl and leaping up at the side of the enclosure. We quickly got to work hiding their food. One under a pile of rocks the other under a wood pile. Kalinga quickly found hers under the log pile but Ashok searched around for 5 minutes before he picked up the scent. He discovered the rock pile and immediately plunged in, but the task was not easy, and took at least another 5 minutes trying to dig out his meat.

Asiatic Lion: Photo by: Brimack

Also on this section were a family group of Binturong (I have fallen in love with these guys) and I had the opportunity to hand feed them. Their peaceful nature means they will easily take food from your hand. We then tracked down some enrichment for these gorgeous animals. Today it would be 'sensory'. Adam searched through a box full of different scents and pulled out a sugary/vanillary perfume. It smelt so sweet it could have been good enough to eat. As soon as he had squirted a branch the Binturong immediately started sniffing the air, but they quickly retreated to the top most platform of their enclosure! They were obviously not as impressed as we had been!

I had a fantastic day on the carnivore section and loved every minute of it! It is so incredible to work alongside these animals. To be able to watch them act so relaxed and display such an amazing array of natural behaviours is just amazing.

Tomorrow I am on the primate section, a baby lemur was born today so should hopefully provide me with some great excitement!

Today I joined the Children's Zoo team. My first thought was the typical goats, pigs and rabbits, but I was surprised to find they also cared for the animals in the Wanyama Village. This African reserve, home to meerkats, porcupines, zebra, oryx and many more, is where I spent most of my day.

First task was the morning feeds and cleans. Here I was introduced to the capybara, the largest living rodent in the world. They look like huge guinea-pigs with long legs, and if you know me well you will know guinea-pigs have always held a place close to my heart. The capybara are not shy animals, and will happily sit next to you taking food from you hand. The youngsters were even brave enough to sniff my bright blue wellies, which they seemed to be rather interested in!

Capybara. Photo by: Robert Verzo

Also living with the Capybara were a group of mara, and here I was introduced to Stig. Stig had been hand reared so his nature was much more tame than his very nervous family. As we brought over his food he was eagerly sniffing at the door waiting for us.

We then headed on down to the Porcupines, and Jon told me about their unusual and very terrifying sound they make! As we entered their house I was surprised at just how large they are, with their huge quills standing on end they look like very intimidating animals! As Jon got close they started shaking their quills, making a noise very similar to that of a rattlesnake, but then they erupted into a chorus of noise. I jumped out of my skin. The rattling was immense, loud booming vocal noises. It would definitely be enough to send any predator on its way!

Crested Porcupine. Photo by: Drew Avery

We finished off the final cleans, which included the meerkats, agouti, dwarf mongoose and chipmunks, and then started on the food prep. This was a task and a half! The capybara alone eat two huge buckets of fruit and veg, twice a day! Armed with a knife and list I got to work chopping their food into bite size chunks. Jon was then eager to tell me how much he loved the smell of parsnips, but when I gave it a sniff all I could smell was earthy raw vegetable. Yuck. So I dared him to eat this lovely smelling raw parsnip. He chopped a chunk off and popped it into his mouth. A few munches and he quickly screwed up his face and made a dash for the bin. It was hilarious! I had put him off his favourite veg for life!.....Well.....he definitely wouldn't be eating it raw again anyway!

In the afternoon we revamped a couple of enclosures with more sand, and here I got to meet Charlie, a hand reared meerkat. He eagerly rushed up to the door and Jon quickly scooped him up. He loved having his belly tickled and playfully nibbled on his fingers. Then he passed him across to me. He was absolutely adorable, with soft fur and a cute little nose, you couldn't help but fall in love!

Meerkat. Photo by: davidhc

I also got to meet a red squirrel, some very cheeky skunks, a couple of noisy pigs and some naughty goats. I am very excited for the adventure to continue tomorrow....I am on the carnivore section! Yippie!!!

So an exciting first day of my work experience week as a Zoo Keeper. As soon as I arrived I was assigned to presentations. I was a little put off with the idea at first, as I don't agree with making animals perform, but as I learnt more about it I came to understand it wasn't a bad thing. The animals aren't made to perform unnaturally, but instead are encouraged to perform natural behaviours, such as flying, climbing and foraging. These are then used to educate the public, so they are able to understand more about these amazing animals and encourage them to contribute to their conservation.

We headed on down to the Macaws, Parrots and Kookaburra. These birds are absolutely gorgeous. We got straight to work cleaning up their mess and changing their water. They are use to human contact so they are easy enough to handle. We also provided them with enrichment, food hidden inside different objects to encourage natural foraging. The Macaws were given a box filled with shredded paper and they immediately got to work digging out their yummy food. I also had the opportunity to help with their training. Meg took the Curly, the Amazon Parrot outside and we stood about 10 metres apart. I called his name and put my arm out and he flew across to me. He was rewarded with yummy fruit and seeds.

Blue Winged Kookaburra. Photo by: aussiegall

I also had the opportunity to help out with some of the mammals used in the presentations. They have a female Binturong named Ezzy. Meg encouraged me to smell her fur, at first I was a little puzzled by the idea, but when I gave her a sniff I realised why, she smelt of popcorn! Her scent glands emit a pleasant odour, unlike most of the animal kingdom! We also gave her a box filled with shredded paper for foraging and she quickly stuck her nose inside to search out the tasty treats.

Binturong. Photo by: greenchartreuse

We then started on the Coatis, these little animals have the most curious noses. They stick up in the air and can rotate 60 degrees! I was given the opportunity to come up with a unique enrichment for these little guys. I came up with the idea of creating little material pouches of food tied with string and then hung up. We set them up in their enclosure and let them in. They went straight for the pouches and immediately began exploring them. It took them at least 5 minutes to work out how to get in and then they started ripping at them with their sharp claws. Meg was thrilled, normally they take 2 seconds ripping into a box, but this had given them a challenge!

A Coati. Photo by: wwarby

I also had the opportunity to help with the lemurs, meerkats and rats. It was a fabulous start to the week and I cant wait to go back tomorrow!

I have now been volunteering at Wildlife Aid for an entire year, so its time to look back on some of my highlights......

When i first started, the hospital was very quiet, during the winter months few patients are admitted, so us volunteers had to find a new way to amuse ourselves...take for example this unsual patient we made up a home for......

A gorgeous lapwing was admitted to the hospital, and I was the lucky person who had to dig up worms for it in the rain! He let out an almighty chirp and began immediately tucking in!

The first orphans of 2010 were Twit and Twoo, two fluffy owlets. It was an incredible experience helping to raise these babies. They were successfully hand reared and then released.

The orphans soon began flooding in, and I immediately stepped up to become an orphan feeder. Holding a tiny fox cub in your arms is one of the most amazing feelings I have ever felt. they are utterly gorgeous.

I had never seen a Little Owl before, so you can imagine my shock when I peered into the cage and this curious face was peering back! This young Little Owl had come in with broken ribs, and his head was twisted in an unusual way. Unfortunately after a month of trying to nurse him back to health he was put to sleep. I had become so attached to him, and it was upsetting news. We did however successfully release 5 more Little Owls that had come in at around the same time.

My first rescue, down in a smelly, wet weir, I successfully managed to rescue 5 little ducklings and reunite them with mum! Ahhhhhh!

Baby mice have become my speciality at Wildlife Aid, tiny furry babies that are impossible not to fall in love with! Unfortunately they are hard to rear to adulthood and since Ive been there only two have made it, but I was thrilled to be given the task of releasing them.

My experience at Wildlife Aid has been amazing, there have been ups and downs but I will always remember the joy my volunteering has given me! =)

I may be jetting off to South Africa in just over a month, but the babies at Wildlife Aid still need caring for in the meantime!

I eagerly rushed in on Monday morning to see what new babies were waiting and was thrilled to see the baby squirrels had been moved from the orphan room into ICU. 5 little monsters all clambering over one another munching on corn on the cob. Mike then pointed towards the corner at a smaller cage, and waiting inside were 4 tiny little mice! Their feed was due at 9, so I quickly got to work making up some esbilac (milk substitute for mammals).

I was thrilled to see the mice were doing very well, normally at this very young age they are so hard to hand rear, but these guys were eagerly clambering over one another. I offered them the tiny pipette and they quickly started feeding, I was having no trouble with these babies! They continues suckling until their little bellies were full, I then had to toilet them. Trying to hold these tiny babies still while dabbing them with slightly damp toilet roll is not easy, but eventually it worked.

Next up it was the monsterous squirrels, they were still friendly at this age, but were just on the edge of turning wild. With most animals you have to reduce human contact over time so they become wild again, but squirrels have the strange habit of turning wild literally overnight. One morning you could go in and have them happily crawling up your arm and down you back. But the next morning you will attempt to put your hand in and you will end up with a very painful bite and one very aggressive squirrel!

I quickly got to work with their morning feed, trying to grab one of these little babies while they are all trying to escape is rather difficult! Eventually I managed it and one by one began feeding them. Even though they were extremely eager to feed they didn't take much. They were obviously happily feeding themselves now, but still enjoyed 'mummies feed'. Its difficult not to get attached to these adorable babies, but knowing I helped get them back to the wild is a fantastic feeling.

I cant believe I have actually won! I still keep thinking I'm going to pinch my arm and wake up! A two month placement in the Shamwari game reserve is such an incredible opportunity! It could finally give me that experience I need to pursue a career in big cat conservation! It is just so amazing! This sort of thing just doesn't happen to someone like me! I just want to jump up and down and continuosly scream! AHHHHHHH!!!

I couldn't have done this without my friends and family! The support Ive had was just fantastic. And all our hard work paid off! I know many of you were up through the night trying to get the votes! I barely got any sleep over the weekend! I know how much effort my friends and family put into campaining for me and I am so grateful. You are helping me to follow my dream! I also had incredible support from everyone at Wildlife Aid, both Mike and Steve really helped me out!



I am also thrilled to say the other two finalists, Lynsey and Jade, were also offered a one month placement at Shamwari so we were all winners in the end! I'm sure they will go on to make a huge difference to conservation!

You can view our original entries here:

Mine
Lynsey
Jade

Learn more about the Shamwari placement here.

As I do not now need the £85 I managed to raise for a trip like this it will be donated to Wildlife Aid.

OMG I can't believe I made the top 3! Thanks so much to worldwide experience for choosing me as one of your top 3 to become the voice of conservation in their competition!

This wouldn't just be a two month holiday for me, this would be a huge leap in the right direction for my career. I would put so much heart, passion, love and feeling into being the voice for these animals. I really feel I could make a difference. I could help educate more people about conservation so people can become aware and hopefully feel encouraged to get involved themselves.

If you regularly read my blog you will now how much enjoyment I get from volunteering with wildlife aid. I have helped rescue ducklings, I have hand fed tiny mice and I have even released a swan back to the Thames. It is such an achievement helping Britains wildlife and to have the opportunity to work alongside the big cats of Africa would finally be a dream come true.....

My Entry:

Please please please help me make a difference to these incredible animals by sparing your vote for me.

VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED!

Thank you so much!

Photo and face paint by the wonderful Kerry!

On the 5th of August, Steve at wildlife aid got an urgent call to a swan that had crash landed in a garden. On arriving, the swan was not in a good state, it was bleeding badly from its mouth. Steve quickly rushed it back to the hospital for some tlc.

Photo by: Steviepwildlife

After a lot of love and warmth the swan was quickly on the mend and was able to move from the intensive care unit up to the pond area. The swan made a rapid recovery and was well enough to be released after only a couple of days.

Photo by: LucyWildlifeAid

As my usual Monday shift came to an end Mike asked if me and Kerry would be able to release the swan on our way home, I was thrilled at the idea. Seeing these animals go back to the wild makes everything so worthwhile. We would also be releasing a goose at the same time. Darcy quickly gathered up both animals and I placed them into my car. Kerry remained on the back seat so she could support the swans neck on the way to the Thames. Both the swan and goose remained relatively calm throughout the journey, they have specially made 'swan bags' which help minimise movement and prevent stress. We arrived in West Molesey at Hurst park, a beautiful area where fishing is restricted to help protect these amazing birds.

Photo by: Kerry

The swan was first to be released. At first I struggled to get the bag off the swan, but with a little wiggle he was finally free. With a touch of encouragement he made his way into the river and slowly disappeared downstream. The goose was up next. Kerry did a fantastic job and the goose was quickly away. Almost immediately on the river he was greeted by 4 more geese who seemed overjoyed to be re-united with one another.


Its a fantastic feeling to be able to take part in the release of such beautiful animals, it just goes to show all the hard work at wildlife aid really pays off! You can read more about the release on Kerry's blog: Searching for the rainbow one colour at a time.

*Warning: detailed images of serious animal injuries*

Today I got the opportunity to work alongside Lucy, the veterinary nurse for wildlife aid...

Around 11am a young fox was rushed into the hospital. It had got caught up in wire fencing and chewed through its leg to try and escape. It was in a mess. Its leg was covered with gaping open wounds.


Lucy quickly got to work. She started by gently loosening the skin around the wound, this would allow her to stretch the skin across the laceration. This was such a careful operation as many blood vessels run through the leg. Unfortunately she caught one of these, and the blood started flowing. Lucy quickly clamped the blood vessel and soon the the bleeding slowed and came to a stop. Her fast instincts had helped her quickly take control of the situation.



Lucy carefully pulled together the skin and closed up the wounds with perfect stitches. It looked impossible. The wounds had been so large and their was hardly any skin to pull over the wound, but she had managed it! Watching her work was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. Her concentration and focus was just incredible. The finished product looked something like a painting by Picasso.


She quickly bandaged up the injured leg and administered some pain relief, now all we can do is wait... Hopefully the fox won't nibble through the stitches and so eventaully will be released with a brand new leg....

1. Support.

Conservation wouldn't exist without those charities that are doing something about it, they are on the frontline, rescuing animals in need, protecting our rainforest and preventing futher destruction of natures beauty. But they need YOUR help and support to keep doing this. Whether its making a small donation, buying something from their shop, adopting a tree, animal or piece of land, fundraising, or even volunteering, it's all extremely valuable to them.

Help Wildlife Aid

Support the WWF

Donate to Born Free

2. Educate.

So you know about conservation, but do your neighbours, family and children? Well let them know! Giving talks to a local school or community is a great way to get the word out, whether you do it yourself or get someone else to do it, its a fantastic opportunity to learn.

Contact wildlife aid to enquire about their informative presentations.

Why not read your children stories of wildlife at bedtime? Watership Down, Tarka the Otter, and The Butterfly Lion all make incredible reads.


3. Campaign.

So you are passionate about a certain aspect of conservation? Then let the world know! Flyers, posters and petitions are great way to get more people involved. Write letters to those repsonsible asking them to change. Start a group dedicated to your cause, facebook is a great way to do this. Run an event! More people can make a difference so get them together and show you care!

Why not switch off for climate change and join in with the WWF's earth hour.




4. Garden.

We often forget about the wildlife on our very doorstep and it ends up very neglected. With neatly trimmed borders and the erection of fences we are dramtically limiting what wildlife can make our garden their home.

Why not create a natural pond? It can provide an intricate habitat for animals and plants alike. Perhaps you could hang a bird feeder? During the winter months food can become scarce to find. Logpiles also provide a fantastic natural habitat, invertebrates and insects thrive where there is rotting wood. Hedgegrows and shrubbery are the prefect shelter for many animal species, and can also provide fantastic 'corridors' for safe movement.

You can learn more with the RSPB.

5. YOU.

Humans have caused the most destruction to our planet, now is the time for us to change!

Why not exchange those energy sucking lightbulbs for the more efficient type? It will help your bills too!... Thinking of driving to work? Swap the car for a bike and get some exercise!... Sending that rubbish to a landfill? Why not recycle it instead?... Packing your shopping with plastic? Why not purchase a bag for life?... Eat healthy?!? Less meat and dairy means a happier planet!

Remember....changing the way WE live is the most important way to help our world!

The WWF have some great advice on their website here.

Arriving for my normal Monday morning shift the hospital was full of life, baby birds eagerly chirping for their breakfast, hedgehogs sniffing at empty plates, mice exploring their cage and a HUUUGE terrapin!

The volunteers quickly got to work and I was thrilled that Mike suggested I get on with the mice. These were the same guys I hand fed a few weeks ago, so it was great to see them doing so well. Unfortunately one had been lost along the way, but the other two were fat and healthy. One was very easy to handle and would happily come to greet you as you went to clean them out, but the other was very timid, and perhaps a little crazy. It kept running in circles, darting around in an odd fashion, these guys were desperate for their freedom again. I approached Lucy about letting them go and was thrilled when she said I could do it myself. I would take them with me at the end of my shift.

As the day was in full swing a baby was suddenly rushed in, at this age it was difficult to identify, either a coot or moorhen chick, but it was in bad shape. Flopped on its side, its head kept rolling back, it was a miracle it was still alive. Mike quickly rushed to aid the poor little baby. He was desperate to bring to bring it back from the brink, first he started administring lectade, life's little miracle. Lectade is a re-hydration fluid that works wonders on a whole array of problems. Next he tried to get some food into the little chick, delicately opening the babies beak we gently encourage a mealworm into its mouth. But it wouldn't swallow. Mike began to panic. Now he was fearful it would choke to death, we gently pulled the mealworm back out of its throat. We decided a bit of peace and quiet would be best for now, then to try feeding again later. We placed the baby on a warm wheatbag in a nest with a second chick.


After an hour passed the chick was still with us so Mike decided to try and get some mealworm juice into the little guy. He spent the next 20 minutes squeezing tiny mealworms with tweezers, not an easy task! He was so determined to help this baby survive. With a tiny pipette Mike administered the mealworm juice and placed him back in the nest. It wasn't long before you could see it working. The chick was now chirping along with its other nestling, and could sit up properly. Mike had worked a miracle! It was so great to see that his hard work had really helped.


As the end of the shift was approaching I peered back in to see how the little chick was doing. I was thrilled to see it peering back at me, eyes wide and bright, and looking much healthier. I was definitely going home with a grin on my face. And to make things better I still had the mice to release! I gathered them up in their cage, quickly said my goodbyes and secured them in my car.

After driving a couple of miles up the road I noticed a beautiful woodland area. Perfect. No pet cats that would mistake them for a tasty snack. I sat their cage down and gently lifted off the lid. I tilted the cage to the floor but the little mice didnt want to leave! I pulled out their blankets to try and encourage them on their way. The more timid one was first to go, his movement was awkward and he seemed confused, but I crossed my fingers for him, brought in as an orphan he had never known freedom, so hopefully this would do him good.

The second mouse was more difficult to send on his way, as he ran straight back towards me. This much open space must seem so daunting now, but he had so much freedom waiting. I gently encouraged him into the wild, but he ran straight back towards his blanket, this was the only thing he had known as home. I quickly packed everything away, so he couldn't hide and he soon ran off into the woodland.



I was thrilled so see them go, and I really hope they live long, happy lives. To see these little creatures arrive at wildlife aid as orphans, with their eyes still closed, to now venturing back into the wild, its an incredible feeling that I am so glad I was able to be part of.

Since volunteering with wildlife aid I have not had the opportunity to actively take part in a rescue, so when on my usual Monday shift earlier this week, Mike approached me offering me the chance to help out with a duckling rescue, I jumped at the chance. At first the idea was a little daunting as it would be filmed for the future series of Wildlife SOS, knowing my luck I would make a complete fool of myself, but it was all in the name of wildlife right?

The rescue involved a family of ducklings stuck down a weir, so it involved getting wet! Unfortunately the ducklings had fallen through the grill and couldn't get back out, so it was up to the wildlife aid team to bring them to safety. If you watch Wildlife SOS this may sound familiar, the series has previously seen Goff struggling through wet, smelly tunnels to rescue them in the past. Now it was my turn....

On arriving at the site we were told filming was not permitted, as much as I would have loved to jump up and down in front of the TV as I made my own appearance it did let off a bit of the pressure. Simon went down into the weir first to inspect the ducklings, they were huddled together down one end desperately calling for mum. Simon explained one volunteer, who didn't mind getting wet, would go down the tunnel with a net to capture them while the others blocked the exit to prevent them running down the second, wetter, longer and darker tunnel. I glanced at Richard, he didn't look keen, so I volunteered myself, it was just a bit of water right?

As I made my way down into the weir I realised the task was much more daunting, the water was only about an inch deep, but it smelt foul and rotten, the floor was slimy, the walls covered in moss, and the tunnel was only about a metre high. But at the end I could see the 6 little ducklings, desperately trying to get out the way they came in without any hope.


Net in hand I started down the tunnel, at first I tried to avoid the water as much as possible. Crawling along on my hands and tiptoes was such a slow and achey process, I eventually gave in and flopped onto my knees, I could feel the foul smelly water soak into my trousers. As I got closer the ducklings started to panic, I could see mum at the top looking down on her babies. I managed to quickly scoop up two babies but the rest dashed past me back down the tunnel.

Simon and Richard were blocking the exit with another net, if they went down the next tunnel the task would become ten times harder. As I made my way back down the tunnel the ducklings again dashed past me, back to the other end. It felt like cat and mouse. Holding the net in one hand, trying to grab very fast little ducklings in the other, you have to be quick! I managed to corner the ducklings again, and again I quickly managed to put two into the net, while the others had run back down the tunnel.


I started slowly back down the tunnel, the net in my hand was now getting heavy, my knees starting to ache as they rubbed on the slimy stone floor. I flopped onto my bum. Ugh! I could feel the water in my pants. Not nice! The ducklings ran back into the corner and I managed to grab one more, just one to go. In its last deperate attempt to escape is dashed towards Simon and Rich who had a trap waiting. It stepped straight into the net! Success! All babies rescued.

We gathered them all up and took them out of the weir, mum following behind us. Back up at the mill pond Rich suggested I release them, seeing as I had rescued them. As I lowered the net they were quickly reunited with mum and they all swam off together. This was the first time I had seen rescued animals being released, and I had been part of it all. It was such an incredible feeling. I felt so proud of what we had done. Even as I stood there, completed soaked, squelchy trainers, moss coated hair and with the stench of a sewer rat, it all felt worthwhile.


I have really enjoyed volunteering with wildlife aid, I have become so passionate about it, to be able to rescue and help animals that most people just take for granted. I have become so much more aware of the wildlife around us that I once just ignored. Whether it be the ducklings on the pond, the owl in the tree, or the pigeon pecking at my feet, they all hold a place close to my heart.


Thanks to Simon and Becky for photo's.

On arriving for my usual Monday morning shift at Wildlife Aid we quickly started on the 9am feeds. On peering at the feeding charts I noticed we had baby mice in and Mike suggested that I get on with feeding them. I happily jumped at the task, feeding any kind of baby orphan is such a touching experience.

Further examining the board I noticed the cage contained 4 baby mice and 1 vole, and I immediately got to work. On opening the lid I was greeted by an upsetting sight, unfortunately one of the mice had died overnight, but the other three where eagerly scurrying around waiting for their feed. After removing the dead baby I filled a tiny pipette with esbilac and scooped out the first baby. He was so thirsty he completely chewed away the end of the pipette! Feeding baby mice is such a joy, sitting in the palm of your hand they wrap their little toes around the pipette and suckle frantically with their tongues.


Moving onto the second mouse Goff appeared and warned me that one of them did actually bite, but I loved feeding them so much I barely took notice of his warning. I moved onto the third little mouse. He happily started feeding and I let out a little sigh that they had all been so easy. But as I was re-filling the pipette I felt a little nip on my hand, not once, but twice! The little devil! It wasnt enough to hurt, but I did let out a little yelp in suprise!


Next I moved onto the vole, on first inspection he didn't even appear to be in the cage but after rummaging around I discovered him buried in the blanket. I went to scoop him up and he quickly scampered off, he was deifnitely going to be more of a challenge. I finally managed to grab him enclosed within the blanket with just his nose peeking out. I gently persuaded him to feed from the pipette and he soon took to it easily. With his feeding done I decided to clean the cage out as well. I cupped the little vole in my hands while Donna and Mike help set up a new cage. I suddenly felt a nip on my finger and let out little cry. The little monster had drawn blood! But just looking at his adorable furry nose covered in little whiskers I soon forgave him. How could you not love such an adorable baby? From then on each hour I happily fed the little furry babies, you get such enjoyment knowing you are helping to raise such a tiny helpless animal.


As 12pm approached Sally mentioned the hoglets in the orphan room were due for a feed, and myself and Donna quickly volunteered ourselves. At this age their spikes are still relatively soft, so they are easy to handle, they also don't have a fear of humans so they don't roll up into a prickly ball. Instead, cupped in your hand they happily suckle on a soft teat syringe. Their tiny feet gently push against your hand as they feed. They are absolutely adorable. As a child hedgehogs had always been a favourite animal of mine, so to get the opportunity to feed a tiny hoglet is just incredible. It is just so heart warming!

So I have just discovered another competition...held by worldwide experience I could be the voice of conservation! The competition offers one VERY lucky person the chance to win two months at the Shamwari game reserve, boasting the big five it could be a life changing experience. So I put together my entry. A simple heart filled e-mail about myself, how I contribute to animal conservation and what it would mean to me to win.

It would be so incredible. I could finally put my heart and soul into something so worthwhile. I love talking about wildlife and what I have done through my experiences, and this could provide me with such a great opportunity to do that. It would be a dream come true and I could at last work alongside the big cats of Africa!

I have crossed my fingers, my toes and even my ears (if thats even possible!) and now I just need to play the waiting game, the closing date is 6th of August so just under 3 weeks away.... I have put so much passion into my work at wildlife aid and my degree, and it would be incredible to finally get where I wanted!

You can read more about the competition here

Please wish me luck!

The WHF, Wildlife Heritage Foundation, is a big cat sanctuary in Kent. Run for the purposes of conservation it is home to a huge array of wonderful cats. On first arriving for my volunteer day I walked past the lion enclosure. 3 mighty males sprawled out and relaxed in the sun. I let out a little gasp. They were amazing.

On signing in for the day we were quickly assigned tasks, I was in the group woodchipping around the tiger enclosure. A few people giggled as we were warned of Bruno's habit of spraying volunteers. We immediately got to work.

Down on my hands and knees at the edge of the enclosure I suddenly heard a shout 'he's gonna spray!' With a little yelp I jumped out of the way, but not fast enough! He had just caught my shoulder, leaving me with the glorious smell of tiger pee for the rest of the day. But not many people can say they got peed on by a tiger!

Shoveling woodchip around may sound basic, but it is seriously hard work, with blisters from wheelbarrows and each shovel of chippings getting heavier it takes its toll. But seeing the new path emerge gives you a great sense of achivement. Plus working alongside big cats is just fantastic.


As the end of the day approached with red raw sunburn and smelling of pee we looked back on our hard work. The enclosure had a beautiful new woodchip path and even with blisters on my blisters it really felt worth it. We had made a difference! If you get the chance I definitely recommend the volunteer day at WHF.


At the end of the day we were given a tour of the cats. From the tiny Pallas cat, to the shy cheetah and even the mischevious tigers, they were all incredible, and here are just a few of my snaps from the day.







You can read more about the WHF here