Tiny badger being cared for at Somerset rescue centre

A wildlife rescue centre in Somerset is caring for its first badger cub casualty of the year.

The orphan was found alone and cold, and just a week or so old, in a garden in Yeovil during the daytime. The homeowners left her for a while to see if the mother would return, but sadly she didn’t. The cub has been named Opal and is being hand-reared by animal carers at Secret World.

In 2015, the charity in East Huntspill, cared for 22 orphaned badger cubs and 43 orphaned fox cubs, and they are expecting to help just as many this year. The young orphans need regular milk feeds, and the centre is appealing for help to feed the hungry babies. To find out how you can help, click here.

Thanks to the actions of her finders, Opal is doing well so far, but sadly last week another badger cub wasn’t so lucky. The cub was pulled from its sett by a dog and its injuries were so severe that it did not survive. Secret World is asking owners to keep their pets under control in the countryside.

The centre will be holding Secret World's Badger Bonanza over the Easter weekend, 25-28 March when visitors can find out more about the wild animals in its care and there will be talks, craft stalls, family activities and food on offer.

Pratiksha sent us this photo of when Opal was first found.