At the end of July, two young hoglets, Joseph Junior and Melanie, were discovered abandoned in the streets of Qala, Gozo, with no mother in sight. Hungry and dehydrated, they were rescued by the Gozo branch of the Wildlife Rescue Team.

After a slow start, the hoglets gradually gained strength and weight. Now nursed back to health, they have been successfully returned to the wild. The Wildlife Rescue Team have commended those who called them to the hoglets’ rescue, and encourage the public to call the number 99999505 whenever they notice an animal in distress.

As protected species, it is illegal in Malta to both harm hedgehogs and to keep them as pets. If you’d like to try your luck at spotting one in wildlife, areas close to quiet country roads are a good place to start!

Wishing Joseph Junior and Melanie the best of luck in the great outdoors!