Apr 142015
 

New Arc Animal Rescue Centre’s Keith Marley has some timely advice for anyone who comes across seemingly abandoned wildlife young:  call an expert for advice and touch nothing. Keith Marley explains.

cub - 6.4.15The first of this year’s ‘orphans’ has arrived. This fox cub, yet to be named, is around 3 weeks old and will be raised at The New Arc (The North East Wildlife & Animal Rescue Centre) just outside Ellon.

Once health checked and weaned, he will stay at the centre until the end of summer when a suitable release site will be found for him.

One of the dilemmas facing wildlife rescue centres is the fact that it is never a good thing to keep any wild animal on its own, while at the same time not wishing for any more to come because of sad or avoidable circumstances.

It is always better for any young animal to have the company of siblings of their own species. This helps with socialisation, learning skills and prevents boredom and institutionalisation as well as helping minimise any bond between them and their carer.

We would recommend anybody coming across any young wildlife at this time of year to phone us immediately before picking them up, unless they are in obvious distress. We can offer advice over the phone, or even come out to assess the situation.

We would remind everyone that under no circumstances should any young creature be fed cows milk as this can cause all sorts of digestive problems even leading to death. In addition, we would also recommend that baby birds should not be fed live worms, mealworms or maggots.

Advice is available on hand rearing if required and we are only too happy to help day or night.

Update:

The cub, now named ‘Fidget’, had its vet check on Mon 13 April, and is in good shape.

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May 242012
 

Scouts from across NE Scotland celebrated as Chief Scout Bear Grylls made a guest appearance at the Bear Hunt 2012 camp, held at Templars’ Park. Taking in the Aberdeen Scout campsite on a whirlwind tour of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Bear was greeted by over 1500 Scouts of all ages. Thanks to Eoin Smith of Mannofield Explorers.

Bear entered the campsite via the 9th Aberdeen Scouts’ traditional canvas tent site and was met with a Guard of Honour.

He was subsequently shown around the park to experience the numerous attractions and activities, including a cycling base run by the 14th Aberdeen Scouts.

He then delivered an inspiring speech before checking out Templars’ Park’s new campfire circle on his way back to his helicopter, high-fiving as many Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers as he could on the way.

One Explorer Scout Unit received a massive surprise, when Bear arrived wearing one of their hoodies.

The Mannofield Explorers had sent this to Bear earlier in the year to thank him for inspiring their Scouting, but little did they realise that he would wear it on his whole tour. Upon finding the Unit attending, Bear chatted and posed for photos with the group of enthusiastic and understandably excited 14-18 year olds.

Explorer Calum McRobb, 16, said,

“It was a real honour to meet Bear Grylls. We’re all big fans, and to see him wearing one of our hoodies was amazing.The whole Bear Hunt has been fantastic.”

Craig Allison, 27, Explorer Scout Leader at the Mannofield Explorers, added,

“We were delighted that Bear chose to wear his hoodie this weekend. It was a real shock when we saw him step through the trees.

“We sent it earlier this year to thank Bear for all he has done for Scouting since being appointed Chief Scout in 2009 and also for inspiring us to be as adventurous as we can at Explorers.”

In a time where over 30 million Scouts have taken their Promise worldwide, Bear Grylls is certainly playing his part in keeping British youths enthusiastic about being a part of the Scout Movement.

Assistant Explorer Scout Leader Eoin Smith, 21, concluded,

By wearing our hoodie around the UK, we hope that Bear has been able to spread the word about Scouting in Aberdeen. There are so many exciting opportunities and experiences to be had in Scouting, and adult volunteers are doing a fantastic job providing everyday adventure for over 1,500 young people in the city.”

 Photo credit: Craig Allison