WILDLIFE at the Scottish SPCA have been given a £400,000 boost, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The funding will help wildlife like Loris, a four-week-old pine marten who has had a pretty rough start in life. Thought to have been abandoned by her mum, she was found hiding out in a house with her three siblings in Spean Bridge, in the Highlands. Thankfully, the youngster is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA and thriving well.
The charity has previously received £350,000 in funding raised by players of the Postcode Lottery which has helped to fund the charity’s work with wildlife including the creation of a bat flight that gives bats the chance to fly, roost and build their strength before release back into the wild.
In 2023 The Scottish SPCA wildlife rehabilitation centre admitted over 4,500 animals into their care. They care for thousands of wildlife a year from tiny voles and blue tits to large badgers and deer working round the clock providing milk feeds and care, 365 days a year.
The work at the wildlife centre gives animals a second chance they would not normally have and allows the charity to release species into the wild that are potentially in decline or that are legally protected.
Scottish SPCA CEO Kirsteen Campbell said: “We are so grateful for this incredibly generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. As Scotland’s only all animal rescue charity we rescue and care for animals right across Scotland. That means that every player of People’s Postcode Lottery in every corner of the country is helping us to be there for animals and on behalf of the Scottish SPCA I thank all of you. We are facing an animal welfare crisis in Scotland with animals needing us more than ever, and it’s also costing us more than ever to deliver our vital services. These vital funds will help our wildlife team to rescue, rehabilitate and release thousands of wild animals and help us in our efforts to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I was lucky to get the opportunity to visit a rescue centre near Alloa recently and see first-hand the incredible work that Scottish SPCA do. It’s great to know that player support will allow this fantastic charity to continue their work caring for all animals right across Scotland.”
If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact the charity’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.