I WOULD like to thank readers of The Press for responding to our appeal and dropping cat food and other food items at our Wildlife Rescue in Barlby.

So far this season, we have hand-reared 163 little orphans including baby barn owls, mistle thrushes, blackbirds, robins, sparrows, ducklings and hedgehogs.

All these babies require round the clock care with some baby birds needing a feed every 20 minutes.

We make our own nutritious “glop” and that’s where the cat food comes in.

When a wildlife baby loses its parents, it becomes extremely vulnerable.

Baby hedgehogs come out of their nest and into the open and begin to “peep” for their mum.

They quickly attract attention from predatory birds and are doomed unless picked up by humans.

Warmth is the one thing which will save a youngster, but it is also essential to get genuine orphans to a rescue as quickly as possible if they are to stand any chance. Many, such as house martins and swallows are specialist feeders, while others such as doves require feeding directly into the crop.

Our website www.wildlife orphans.co.uk has lots of information and you can always ring the Rescue on 07711 883072.

Thank you once again for the support. Myself and 163 little orphans are extremely grateful for your kindness.

Annette Pyrah, The Wildlife Orphanage, Low Mill, Barlby