His Excellency & Lady Corder help release Gov the hedgehog back where he was found at Government House

In the middle of Winter on the 4^th January a very thin unwell hedgehog was rescued in the grounds at Government House.

The poorly hedgehog which was half his ideal body weight would have likely perished if he hadn’t have been rescued and brought into the GSPCA to care for over the last few months.

The hedgehog which has been called ‘Governor’ has made huge improvements and as he has now reached a healthy release weight.

We always strive where possible and where it is safe to do so to release hedgehogs and other wild animals and birds that are rescued back to where they were found.

Governor was microchipped last week and has been released back where he was rescued at Government House on the evening of Monday the 15^th May.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE CB, Patron of the GSPCA and Lady Corder were present to see the release of Governor the hedgehog who was returned to where he was found with the GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.

When Governor was found he was only a young hedgehog weighing only 400g and last night when he was released he was a healthy 985g after spending the winter in the care of the GSPCA and recent weeks in a rehabilitation pen outside.

On a very pleasant evening Governor the hedgehog met His Excellency and Lady Corder while GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne gave him one last check before a suitable place in the stunning grounds and ideal hedgehog habitat of Government House was found.  The now healthy hedgehog was placed back in his carrier with plenty of bedding, as well as a supply of food and water to give him the best start on his first night back to the wild.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “It was so kind of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE CB, and Lady Corder to invite us to Government House to return Governor the hedgehog back where he was found so many months ago.”

“At the GSPCA we strive to do our best for all of the 2000 wild animals and birds we help each year and with hedgehogs being the species we rescue the most and being one of the few land mammals on island in the wild it is a real joy when we can get them back where they belong.”

“With Spring upon us many hedgehogs are busy breeding and we all need to do what we can to help those visiting our garden from putting a shallow bowl of water, providing food and making our outside space as hedgehog friendly as we can.”

“If anyone finds or spots an injured hedgehog please do give us a call at the GSPCA on 257261, the Shelter is manned 24/7 and we always have someone at the end of a phone manning an animal ambulance.”

"When we released Governor we found a fantastic location and have nick named the Gov for short."

"Gov has some purple and a little red paint on his spines so if His Excellency and Lady Corder spot him over the next few weeks they will be able to easily identify him."

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE CB said "Gov was very small back in January and it was extremely cold when we rescued him."

“We are really happy to help Gov the hedgehog to be released back to the wild at Government House."

The GSPCA in recent years have now microchipped in excess of 1000 hedgehogs and each year rescue between 350 and 400 hedgehogs of which 10 to 20% each month are now microchipped that come into our care.

Using these statistics it could be conservatively guesstimated that there is a hedgehog population of in the region of 4000 here in Guernsey.

In the UK mainland hedgehogs have faced huge challenges in recent years and seen a decline in many parts of the country.

The story in Guernsey is uncertain as no studies have been undertaken but the GSPCA are in talks with universities to see if professional research can be carried out here in the Channel islands to determine the situation.

This time of year hedgehogs are busy breeding and we currently have 4 rescued mothers with babies, over 80 hedgehogs in our care.  They face a number of challenges from strimmers and lawnmowers to finding enough food and water after the winter months.  Garden and sports nets also cause many injuries as to douits and water features without an escape platform.

For advice online if you find a sick or injured wild animal please call 257261 or visit - http://gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice

His Excellency and Lady Corder are proud to support and encourage public and voluntary service and interest groups within our community that promote the Bailiwick's unique character. This is achieved through their Patronage of various local charities and other organisations.

At present some 60 such bodies have the Lieutenant-Governor and/or Lady Corder as their Patron. They are listed on their website and to see the page where the GSPCA are featured please go to http://www.governmenthouse.gg/GSPCA

The GSPCA are extremely privileged to have His Excellency Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE CB as our Patron and last Summer we had a wonderful event as His Excellency and Lady Corder officially opened the new multi purpose animal welfare building which replaced 5 old buildings and added much needed facilities to help the 400 animals in our care.

The team at the GSPCA are really looking forward joining in with many other local good causes at the Charity Fete taking place at Government House on Saturday 29th July 2017.

From all at the GSPCA we would like to thank His Excellency and Lady Corder for all of their support and allowing Governor the hedgehog to be released back where he was found.

To become a sponsor of the hedgehogs in our care and join our Angel Pen Pal Sponsorship scheme please visit - http://gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20new%202017.pdf

To donate to the many animals in our care please visit

The GSPCA are very proud to announce that we have been awarded the Guernsey Community Foundation Charity of the Year.

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