What is Wildaid?

The aim of Wildaid is to improve the welfare and conservation of wildlife.

We are unique as a charity because we raise funds to help wildlife sanctuaries/charities in need of financial aid.

This may be in the form of a straightforward cash donation to finance a particular project, or to update facilities, or indeed to supplement day-to-day running costs.

We can help to buy new equipment such as cages, nets, catchers and other rescue requirements as well as replacement hospital equipment.

We can finance the building, or renewal, of pens in which to house injured wildlife. We can usually assist sanctuaries to get whatever they need.

Along with practical advice, all of these measures have a big impact on the animals being cared for. The world would be a sad place without the birds and animals that we take for granted.

All of the following can and do affect wildlife: 

* Habitat destruction

* Road traffic accidents

* Pollution

* Litter

* Persecution

Wildlife welfare and conservation are vitally important. Every wild animal is a piece of our natural heritage and Wildaid does all it can to ensure that this doesn't slip away from us.
   
The Wildaid Guide To Helping Injured Animals.

It CAN happen. You are driving along and suddenly you hit an animal or bird in the road. Or you come across a creature that has been hit by another vehicle and has been left to die in agony.

What do you do?

First, make sure your vehicle is parked in a safe place. If possible, park clear of oncoming traffic.

In the evening or at night, put on some light coloured clothing-- or use light colured material made into a sash-- to help you be seen. Always carry a torch for such situations.

Take just as much care in daylight and don't be lulled into a false sense of security-- all too often drivers have their minds on other things.

The injured animal will almost certainly be in shock, either lying still or thrashing about. It will greatly benefit from being covered by a blanket, coat or towel, or whatever you have at your disposal. In particular, make sure you cover its head. Most animals and birds calm down once they are in darkness.

If the casualty is not too large or too heavy, you might be in a position to wrap it up and place it in your vehicle. Be aware however, that even small animals and birds bite when they are distressed, so always handle with great care. If in any doubt, leave the creature where it is.

It is not advisable to move large animals such as badgers or deer. They are dangerous. Cover them up, if possible, and keep an eye on them. If they should happen to run away, note the direction they take. Injured animals can't always go very far and it will assist in locating them.

At this stage, if you have access to a vet or animal rescue group, take the casualty to them or call them and ask them to come to you. If you are unable to contact them, take the casualty to the nearest police station. If the animal poses a danger to other road users, or is too large to transport, it may be necessary to dial 999 for the police. This should be a last resort.

The same rules apply whether the casualty has been located at the roadside, in your garden, on a neighbour's property or just in a field.

IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO ALWAYS KEEP A BLANKET OR OLD COAT, A TORCH AND A STOUT PAIR OF GLOVES IN YOUR VEHICLE. THEY MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE AS WELL AS THAT OF AN ANIMAL.

LIKEWISE, MAKE A NOTE OF THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF LOCAL VETS, ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL POLICE STATIONS.

IF YOU POSSESS A MOBILE PHONE, DIAL IN THESE CRUCIAL NUMBERS. THIS COULD BE CRITICAL AT THE TIME OF AN INCIDENT.

PLEASE DON'T FEEL YOU ARE UNABLE TO STOP. YOU COULD EASILY SAVE A LIFE.