Instinct Animal, the wildlife rescue association supported by Princess Charlene, is facing an unprecedented summer as soaring numbers of injured and distressed animals arrive at its rehabilitation centre in the Alpes-Maritimes…
Based in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, the centre treats wild animals before releasing them back into their natural habitats. Since January, around 2,400 animals have been admitted, placing considerable pressure on its five employees and finances.
Swifts have been particularly badly affected by this summer’s heat. Some 872 have passed through the centre since the beginning of the season, compared with 329 last year. After receiving hydration and nutritional support, those that recover can return to the wild.
The centre also expects to care for young European free-tailed bats affected by lead poisoning, while squirrels, owls, falcons, hedgehogs and foxes are among its other patients.
Emergency calls remain relentless. When Monaco Info visited recently, during just 45 minutes of filming, teams were dispatched to three separate incidents, including a dehydrated animal, a falcon that had collided with an aircraft and a vulture stranded on a motorway.
Princess Charlene became the association’s patron in May after releasing a rehabilitated young falcon back into the wild.
If you wish to support this wildlife rehabilitation centre, you can make a donation by visiting the Instinct Animal website.
Image: Monaco Info