Progress on the little spikes 

Back in July, Woburn Safari Park welcomed orphaned hoglets, after forming an exciting partnership with Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue (DHR) to support the conservation and protection of this endangered species. DHR, a small rescue centre based in Milton Keynes, specialises in rehabilitating and microchipping injured or sick hedgehogs before releasing them back into the wild. Over the past year, the charity has treated more than 200 hedgehogs, but as hedgehog residents have increased, capacity has become a challenge for critical cases.

Katie Chapman, Woburn Safari’s Head of Conservation, along with the Carnivore keepers, partnered with DHR to provide a temporary home for the healthier "bed blockers". This collaboration allows Woburn to nurse the hedgehogs back to full health, ready for their eventual release into the wild.

Since July, the team has been working tirelessly, conducting health checks, monitoring weights, and providing the proper nutrition to help the hedgehogs reach their ideal weight. Their homes are cleaned daily with fresh bedding to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Keepers also regularly check on the hogs to confirm their well-being and track their weight progress.

Some of the hedgehog residents have successfully returned to the wild, a milestone that has delighted the team. The hedgehogs were carefully released into gardens with hedgehog houses for shelter, ensuring they had a safe start in their journey back to their natural habitat.

While saying goodbye to the hedgehogs has been bittersweet for the keepers, who have grown fond of each hog's unique personality, they are overjoyed to see them safely return to the wild where they belong.

Some hedgehogs really left a mark on the team with their brave and quirky antics. Rose, the cheeky adventurer, impressed the keepers with her climbing skills, always finding a way to climb the boxes in her enclosure though, of course, her safety was always ensured by keepers. Then there was Percival, who fancied being an interior designer, often caught mischievously tipping over his water and burying himself under the newspaper and straw. And what would the group be without a love story? Carnivore keeper Tommy bonded with his favourite, Blue, from the very first day when they made eye contact, sharing a special connection that will be remembered.

The winter season

As winter approaches, Woburn will shift from welcoming hoglets to taking in adult hibernating hedgehogs, expanding their expertise in caring for this species.

Katie Chapman shared her thoughts on the progress so far, saying, “We are really pleased with how the hoglets have progressed, and the team is working hard to get them to their goal weight.”

Woburn Safari Park is excited to continue this important partnership and looks forward to welcoming more hedgehogs in the future. This collaboration marks a significant step in the conservation of this species and will make a real difference in their survival.