Our first thought at seeing the hedgehog was wow, how fabulous to see a hedgehog so close and seemingly in good health. Our heads then took over from our hearts and realising that it was very unusual for a hedgehog to be out in daylight hours, we contacted a wildlife rescue centre for advice.
The advice was quite simple: any hedgehog out in daylight hours is likely to be in trouble, as they are nocturnal creatures, and that we should get the hedgehog to the rescue centre as soon as possible.
Having arrived at the rescue centre for wild animals, the hedgehog who we had named Houdini (due to him trying to escape from his transport box), was examined and it was established that he was underweight and had an infection and possibly parasites. Like all hedgehogs that are taken into the centre, with medication and being fed the right foods, he had a chance; but unlike many of the other hedgehogs that get taken in, sadly Houdini didn't make it and he died on 5th April 2014. We did our best for him.
This video of Houdini, and this message, is to anyone that finds a hedgehog in their garden in the UK during daylight hours. The message is plain and simple -- take the hedgehog to an wildlife rescue centre (rather than a conventional vet or the RSPCA who will often just euthanize wildlife), or get them to come and collect it. It will be a hedgehog in trouble and in need of expert help.
Rest in peace, Houdini.
5th April 2014
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