Isle of Wight animal charity, Friends of the Animals, has issued an urgent appeal for donations after rescuing an unprecedented number of heat-stricken birds during the current spell of hot weather.
Friends of the Animals says it has been inundated with calls about gulls suffering in the extreme temperatures, with young birds reportedly falling from rooftops across the Island.
The charity says 15 gull chicks and 1 adult gull were taken into its care in a single day, while volunteers also reunited several other chicks with their parents where possible.
One young gull even fell from the roof above the charity’s shop in Pyle Street, Newport, during the afternoon.
Staff say almost every other phone call they received related to gull chicks wandering around on the ground, where they are vulnerable to injury and attack.
The influx of birds meant the charity’s Riverway premises temporarily became what staff described as a “gull nursery”, with manager Amy helping care for the rescued birds before they were transferred to Claire at Skippers Sanctuary for ongoing rehabilitation.
Friends of the Animals says the past couple of days have been among the busiest it has experienced in the charity’s history.
As well as rescuing wildlife, the organisation says it also helps cover veterinary treatment costs for the Isle of Wight Badger Trust.
With the hot weather continuing, the charity is now appealing for public support to help fund veterinary care and the ongoing rescue of injured and distressed wildlife.
A spokesperson for Friends of the Animals said:
“It’s been a terrible day for our feathered friends in this heat and we urgently need your help.
“The gulls in particular have been suffering due to exposure from the sun and are literally dropping from the rooftops.
“In all the years of this charity, the last couple of days truly have been unprecedented and relentless.
“Our small group of volunteers have been incredible and never let us or the animals down, but we need your help to continue caring for the Island’s wildlife.”
Those wishing to support the charity are asked to make a donation via the Friends of the Animals website here and include the word ‘wildlife’ in the message section so funds can be directed towards wildlife rescue and treatment.
