Hedgehog rehabilitation centres provide critical care for injured, orphaned and sick hedgehogs across the UK, helping thousands of animals return to the wild each year.
Hedgehog rehabilitation requires specialised knowledge of their dietary needs, stress responses and disease risks. Poorly managed centres can cause hedgehogs additional suffering through inappropriate handling, diet or housing. High-welfare centres follow British Hedgehog Preservation Society guidelines, use stress-minimising protocols and maintain detailed health records. Release planning — including pre-release acclimatisation and post-release monitoring — is essential for long-term welfare outcomes.