THE National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross has welcomed its first orphaned wildlife resident of the new year – a tiny hare named Bently.
On February 2, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), which runs the centre, was alerted to the small brown leveret, a young hare in its first year.
The group have since taken it into their care, and say it is doing well.
Colin Seddon, the centre's manager, said: "The little leveret is our first orphaned wild animal of the year.
"He was very quiet and listless when he first arrived at the centre, but seems to be perking up and is now feeding and appears to be a lot better.
"This is the earliest we have ever received an orphaned leveret before, they usually tend to come in at the end of February and March."
Explaining how the tiny creature came to get its name from staff, Colin added: "Our 2019 naming theme for hares brought to the centre is supercars, and for rabbits it is normal cars."
If you come across an injured or potentially orphaned wild animal should contact the SSPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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