Injured and Orphaned Animals Given a Second Chance
Visitors to Park Cytadela may notice a few extra furry residents darting between the trees this summer after 18 rehabilitated squirrels were successfully released back into their natural habitat.
The animals, cared for by Poznań's Fundacja Z Dzikiej Strony (From the Wild Side Foundation), had all arrived at the charity in need of specialist help. Some had suffered injuries after road traffic collisions, while others were recovering from attacks by other animals. Several were orphaned youngsters that would not have survived without weeks of dedicated care and rehabilitation.
After completing veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, each squirrel was assessed as fit to return to the wild, with Park Cytadela chosen as the ideal location for their release thanks to its extensive woodland, mature trees and plentiful natural food sources.
A Reminder That Wild Animals Belong in the Wild
Although many of the squirrels spent weeks or even months under human care, the foundation stresses that they remain wild animals with the instincts needed to survive independently.
Paulina Cudna, President of Fundacja z Dzikiej Strony, explained that Cytadela offers everything the animals need to thrive, making it an excellent place for them to begin the next chapter of their lives.
The release also serves as a timely reminder that good intentions do not always lead to the best outcome for wildlife. Every year, healthy young animals are mistakenly removed from the wild by people who believe they have been abandoned. In reality, mother squirrels often leave their young temporarily while searching for food and will usually return once the area is quiet again.
Wildlife specialists encourage anyone who finds a seemingly abandoned squirrel to seek professional advice before intervening.
What to Do If You Find a Squirrel in Distress
If an animal appears injured, weak or is in immediate danger, experts recommend:
- Place it carefully in a cardboard box lined with a soft cloth.
- Keep the box somewhere quiet and away from pets.
- Avoid feeding the animal or giving it milk, as this can do more harm than good.
- Contact wildlife professionals as soon as possible for guidance.
The foundation also warns against attempting to raise wild animals at home. Some of the squirrels released this week had previously been kept by members of the public before being transferred into specialist care, making their rehabilitation longer and more challenging.
Looking After Wildlife Starts With the Environment
Helping local wildlife is not always about direct intervention.
Creating healthy habitats often has a much greater impact than feeding wild animals. Leaving green spaces more natural, protecting mature trees and disposing of litter responsibly all contribute to a safer environment for squirrels, birds, hedgehogs and many other native species that share Poznań's parks and woodlands.
Simple everyday choices can make a lasting difference to the city's urban wildlife.
Poznań's Wild ER Continues To Support Thousands of Animals
Fundacja Z Dzikiej Strony operates Poznań's Dziki SOR (Wild ER), providing emergency care for injured wild birds and mammals found across the city.
The centre is currently at Jugosłowiańska 23a, and has continued to care for a wide range of wildlife, including squirrels, hedgehogs, hares and numerous bird species.
During the first six months of the year alone, the centre admitted 32 squirrels, 1,486 birds and 223 other mammals.
Animals that recover are returned to the wild whenever possible. Those requiring extended rehabilitation are transferred to the specialist wildlife rehabilitation centre in Spytkówki, where they can regain their strength in a quieter, more natural setting before release.
The Wild ER accepts animals seven days a week, with seasonal opening hours throughout the year. Residents can also contact the intervention line on 726 386 322 during opening hours for advice before attempting to rescue any wild animal.
For wildlife found outside Poznań, residents should contact their local municipality, municipal police or police service, as treatment funded by the City of Poznań applies only to animals rescued within the city.
The return of the many squirrels that now roam the trees of Park Cytadela marks the successful end of months of specialist care. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is pause, seek expert advice and allow nature the chance to take its own course.
See also: What to Do If You See a Wild Boar in the City
Source: poznan.pl
image credit: Przemysław Jahr, Wikimedia Commons