The National Wildlife Rescue Centre is also caring for nine rabbit kits and a leveret.
While people across Scotland prepare to switch off for Earth Hour, the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre will remain fully operational, providing round-the-clock care for vulnerable young animals including fox and badger cubs.
The fox cub was reported by a member of the public in Glasgow after it was believed to have been abandoned by its parents in bushes where it had been since the early hours of the morning. It was brought into the centre and set up in a large, heated space. It is progressing well and will continue to be monitored by the team.
The badger cub was brought into the centre a few weeks ago and was likely under the age of two weeks. It was discovered alongside another cub by a gamekeeper in Aberdeen. It is receiving treatment from the team and is doing well.
Each young animal requires round the clock specialist care. Heat lamps and brooders provide controlled consistent temperatures and are essential for keeping young animals warm and healthy throughout the day and night, providing constant heat that is meant to mimic that of a mother.
Due to this, the National Wildlife Rescue Centre is unable to switch off, even on Earth Hour Day, with the team operating 24/7 to provide crucial treatment, rehabilitation and nurture to the animals in its care.
Earth Hour is an annual environmental initiative organised by the World Wildlife Fund that encourages individuals, businesses and communities to turn off non-essential lights for one hour – usually from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. The event aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable living by demonstrating a commitment to the planet.
Sean Meechan, Wildlife Operations Lead at the Scottish SPCA, said: “As we move into spring, young animals are starting to arrive at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre. Many are orphaned, injured or unwell, so they need extensive treatment and consistent care.
“This involves using heat lamps, as well as brooders 24/7, which are specialised enclosures designed to keep young animals warm and safe until they are ready to be released.
“Earth Hour is a fantastic campaign, but we feel it’s important to show that we can’t just switch off and our work is ongoing at all hours to provide wildlife the best care possible.”
The Scottish SPCA is actively involved in environmental conservation, particularly in tackling wildlife crime and protecting natural habitats. Its National Wildlife Rescue Centre is on the frontline of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured and ill wildlife, with 4,514 animals arriving at the centre for specialist care since January 2025. Annually, the centre cares for around 5,000-6,000 wild animals.
The Scottish SPCA’s key mission is to safeguard the welfare of all of Scotland’s animals, and we are working tirelessly to also make this a top priority for parliamentarians. Our recently published Manifesto outlines four key asks which will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare. Delivering on these asks is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending, which will help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
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