About Us
Who we are and what we do
We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, orphaned and distressed wild animals and birds throughout Leicestershire and the surrounding regions.
The aim of the hospital is to provide the necessary first aid and veterinary attention to allow the animal to be released back into the wild when they are in full health. This may mean that it just takes a few days, or it could be several months. Every patient is given the best chance possible and will only be euthanised when it is in the animal’s best interests, as a last resort.
We treat all casualties free of charge, which can only be achieved through the generosity of the public donating to us. We receive no government funding so we are reliant on you to keep us going, so that British wildlife can continue to be saved.
The hospital costs around £7000 a month just to keep its doors open and continue providing the valuable service to wild animals and birds. This is without the added expense of life saving equipment and expansion work to ensure we can keep up with the increasing demand.
Registered Charity Number: 1078817
Our History
The Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital was founded in 1984 by Angela Downham and for many years was ran virtually single handed. “All too often animals are left alone to die in pain; I just couldn’t ignore that. I knew I had to do something to alleviate their pain and suffering.”
The Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital began in Angela’s back garden. As the general public, local vets and the RSPCA became aware of her willingness to care for injured animals, casualties began flooding through the doors.
In 1997, it was clear that larger facilities were needed and a site was found to relocate the hospital. This also launched ‘the bricks appeal’, to raise money to buy land and a fully equipped, educational wildlife hospital.
In January 2000, we became a registered charity.
In 2005, we were given permission to erect a purpose built wildlife hospital and education centre and from there onwards, the building of our specialist wildlife facility began.
2010 was the year that Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital opened on its’ current site on Fleckney Road in Kibworth Beauchamp and where it continues to expand every year.
The number of patients we take in increases year on year so with that, our facilities are continually growing.