We usually refer Wildlife cases to dedicated wildlife hospitals with the specialist knowledge and experience often needed for these animals, but when this Little Grebe was brought to us by a neighbour, we were very pleased to be able to help it ourselves! It had unfortunately been caught by a cat, but thankfully examination showed that it was not badly hurt.
We were then able to check whether it was able to perform all of the behaviours needed for release; such as swimming, catching it’s food, eating and preening. It passed with flying colours and so we were overjoyed to be able to find a suitable release site here.
We have several areas of the sanctuary that we have dedicated for the abundance of wildlife that visit or choose to live with us, and a large pond loved by various wild water birds, with lots of hiding/nesting spaces and food available.
The Grebe swam away slowly, then quickly dove underwater, zigzagging across the pond, catching tiny fishes and insects, popping up all over the place! A very happy little bird!
A big thank you to our kind neighbours for rescuing it and keeping it safe until we could take over.