From hedgehogs to chameleons, this past week has been a busy one for the team at Nature Trust Malta, who carried out a series of rescues across Gozo – giving a second chance to some of the island’s most vulnerable wild creatures.

On Friday, the Wildlife Rescue Team received a call about a hedgehog spotted out in daylight in Xewkija – a sign that something was wrong. The little guy, now named Quilliam, turned out to be an adult male who was very underweight and suffering from a mild eye infection. He’s currently receiving care and rehab until he gains weight and makes a full recovery.

Just a day later in Qala, volunteers responded to a very unusual situation – a chameleon that had somehow ended up in a swimming pool! Now known as Janet, the chameleon was unharmed and has since been safely relocated to a greener area with plenty of trees and absolutely no pools in sight.

On Monday, the team rescued Noel, another hedgehog who was discovered inside a storage bin in San Lawrenz. Thankfully, Noel was in great health and was safely released back into the wild the very same evening.

And just this morning, volunteers were called out to a rubble wall on the way to Marsalforn, where a tiny hoglet was found alone. With no nest or mother in sight, the little one – now called Athena – was brought in for rehab, as she is far too young to survive on her own. She’ll remain in the team’s care until she’s strong enough for release.

All the animals rescued are protected species, and Nature Trust Malta reminds the public that it is illegal to harm or keep them as pets. The team’s trained volunteers hold official wildlife handling permits, and they’re fully equipped to provide expert care to creatures in need.

So if you spot a wild animal that may be injured or in danger, don’t intervene yourself – call the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta on 99999505.

Well done to the entire team for their tireless work!