[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]A weak hedgehog on the brink of death surprised her keepers by showing an unusual talent for moonwalking and tug of war.
Rita arrived at Shepreth Wildlife Park in summer in a “collapsed” state and according to Hedgehog Hospital manager, Natasha Ennew, her initial outlook was not good at all.
The tiny animal struggled to maintain her bodyweight and needed 24 hour care, as well as a special diet.
Beth Barrow, a volunteer at the park, saved Rita’s life by taking her under her wing and handfeeding her until she was strong enough to feed herself.
Staff at the hospital began to notice her extremely odd behaviour, including replicating Michael Jackson’s moonwalk and playing tug of war with her blankets when keepers tried to remove them for cleaning.
Natasha said: “We had to stop giving her blankets to stop her continuing this behaviour.”
After receiving specialist animal Reiki treatment, the hospital’s vets and keepers made the decision that as Rita can never be released into the wild, she needed a special home where she could have secure freedom but be monitored regularly.
Su Timms from Suze Healing Paws, offered her non-invasive holistic therapy services to assess Rita before she moves to her new home.
Reiki is a non-invasive holistic therapy which can be used alongside veterinary treatment and may be effective to animals that are stressed or anxious following an upheaval in their life.
Natasha added: “Normally Rita would dash off if you placed her on the table, but she was totally relaxed with Su, with no need to be restrained. It was very interesting to watch.”
Mon Sep 16, 2013 8:39 am