I have recently returned from the glorius sunshine of Captiva island, Florida, with its crystal clear ocean and lush vegetation it felt almost like paradise, and it is teeming with amazing wildlife.

The first morning i was awoken by a piercing bird call, I angrily peered out the window to see which wild resident was upsetting my sleep to see a gorgeous osprey perched on a palm tree with a fish in its talons. While these birds of prey are a precious conservation issue in the UK, they are absolutely everywhere on Captiva. Sitting on the beach you can watch them fishing, walk around the golf course to see the young in their nest, lay on your sunbed and watch them cirlcing above. They really are a magnificent bird.


On the first day my boyfriend took me on a tour of the island, and on stopping by the harbour a curious nose appeared just under the water. The Florida Manatee. I cannot explain how much I have fallen in love with these sea cows. They are such a curious unusual animal and you cannot help but stand around waiting for that small glimpse of those nostrils. Every time we walked near the harbour I would dash across to see if I could catch another glimpse of these amazing mammals. On one occasion a group of 6 and a baby were floating just below the surface, occasionally popping up for a breath. On the last day I had to have a final goodbye, and dashed down to have a peek, the night before there had been a small storm, leaving debris on the surface. It was a manatee feast. They were all gathered, rolling around and feeding on the surface, it was an incredible moment, and I managed to catch a video of them feeding.



Ospreys and manatees wern't the only animals on Captiva, I got my first experience of wild dolphins jumping in the wake of a boat, alligators, snakes, lizards, raccons, rabbits, and so many species of birds, Captiva is a haven for wildlife, and I thoroughly recommend visiting if you want to relax by the pool or beach while sampling some of the most incredible wildlife there is.

So, I am off to Florida tomorrow, and my two kitties and gorgeous bunny have gone to stay with my mum.

It all started out ok, everything was packed, pets in their boxes and apart from the usual whining, it was a normal trip down to my mums.

After about half the journey I peered into Twiglets box to see how she was doing. She was flopped on her side, legs in the air, she was dead.....i frantically bashed the box to see if there was any movement.....but she just layed there. I felt the tears running down my face as I started to panic....she may only be a rabbit, but shes still my baby.

I tried undoing her little box, but while driving along this is very difficult, desperately trying not to swerve all over the place, eventually I managed to get in, I gently stroked her side and she suddenly sprang to life, I felt so relieved! It may seem silly getting so worried and upset about just a rabbit, but she is more than just a rabbit to me, she is part of my family, and when she eventually dies, it will break my heart.

I knew Sally had taken the fox cubs home Sunday night, so I eagerly awaited her arrival on the Monday morning. As soon I i saw her appear I rushed into the treatment room and peered into the little box.

Four adorable fluffy faces peered back out (well technically three, one still had its eyes closed). It felt like christmas. The overwelming joy you get from seeing such an adorable animal is amazing. Sara quickly got them out and handed each volunteer a cub to cuddle. As she handed me one I felt my face light up. These cubs are cuter then puppies, and even kittens. With soft fur, fluffy ears and tiny noses its hard not to fall in love.


They have their own distinct smell, which somone likened to 'bovril', but personally its hard to make the connection. Its a smell impossible to describe, but one you will never forget, just like puppies have their own smell at a certain age.

I couldn't peel my eyes away from the adorable babies and found myself simply watching them play in their little bed. I eventually dragged myself away and started to help with the rest of the hospital. First up, force feeding a very angry seagull the most disgusting fishy liquid. It took three of us to hold down one gull, prise open its beak and tube feed it this fowl smelling food.

I then had time to clean just one cage before it was time to feed the cubs, and I was first to jump at the chance to bottle feed these adorable creatures. They are fed a milk substitute that has to be heated to an exact temperature. They are then fed from a babies bottle and they paw at your hand while they suckle. After feeding its important to burp them as feeding from a bottle means they also tka ein a lot of air, a firm rub on the back usually settles this problem. After the feed they quickly snuggle up and sleep peacefully. It hard not to smile as they twitch in their sleep.

Next up for a feed next were the baby squirrels, posibbly the easiest animal to feed as they latch themselves onto a syringe and suckle away. If they still have their eyes shut you need to ensure you toilet them as well, a gentle rub on the bum should encourage this. After feeding they curl up and simple fall asleep in your hand. You really feel as though you are a temporary animal to these little babies.

They are all such innocent creatures, and without wildlife aid they would have no hope of surviving in the wild. I really feel like I am making a difference to them and I recommend volunteering with wildlife aid to anyone who has a love for animals, its a real experience.

I started volunteering with wildlife aid in September 2009. Since then I have helped foxes, squirrels, pigeons, pheasants, hedgehogs and more. The satisfaction you get when you see an animal develop its strength and finally get released is amazing.

Before working at wildlife aid I never thought I would actually care for a mere pigeon. But the squabs will chirp at you whenever you walk past, begging to be fed, and it is impossible not to fall in love with them. They are definately the ugliest baby ever, but yet at the same time possibly the cutest.

Pigeons aren't the only animals I have fallen in love with. We had a lapwing in a few weeks ago and I was the lucky one sent outside in the rain to dig up worms for it. I came back in with my little tub of worms completely drenched and caked in mud. I put the worms in a mud filled tray and gave it to the little lapwing. After a couple of minutes eyeing up the tray the lapwing let out an almighty chirp and began tucking in. It actually sounded like he had said thankyou! And it had made my day. Every week after that I was the one who made sure the lapwing got fed, until last week he had finally been released. There was a brief moment of sadness, realizing I wouldnt get to see my little friend again, but the thought I had helped him get back to the wild overcame it and made me feel like I had actually done something worthwhile.


Up until now it has been relatively calm, I have yet to experience the full rush at wildlife aid, and last week was just the start. The orphans included foxes, rabbits, squirrels and owls and although I didnt get the opportunity to see all of them, I did get to feed an owlet. They are the softest and fluffiest animals I have ever seen. And they sit on the table so peacefully its as though they didn't have a care in the world.

Each time I drive through the gate on a Monday morning I get excited and imagine which new animal I will help this time. Working at wildlife aid is a real experience. And as orphan season has started baring its teeth, what has been a relaxed environment is soon going to turn into hectic mayhem.