A three-month-old hedgehog was rescued in Herne Bay, Kent, after being found covered in a sticky, gold-coloured substance believed to be toxic glittery slime from a discarded children's toy. The animal, named Sparkle by rescuers, had one eye glued shut and could barely move when she was brought to Dottie's Little Hog Hospital, an animal charity.
Charity founder Jo Hogbin said the slime had worked its way all over Sparkle's body, making it difficult for her to curl up properly. In a Facebook post that has received more than 11,000 reactions, Hogbin explained that the slime was 'thick and setting fast' and 'more than likely toxic'. She added: 'This was a serious hazard to wildlife when it is discarded outside. Sparkle was incredibly lucky that a kind member of the public spotted her lying in the road and brought her straight to us.'
Rescue and Recovery
Sparkle was found on the side of the road after coming into contact with the slime, which likely came from a child's toy that had been thrown away. The charity said the substance was sticky and thick, and it had glued one of her eyes shut. After multiple baths and a few days' rest, Sparkle is now slime-free and looking much more comfortable.
She will remain at Dottie's Little Hog Hospital until she reaches adult size, at which point she will be released into a hedgehog-friendly garden. The charity, which currently cares for about 200 hedgehogs, is urging the public to dispose of slime and similar products properly to prevent wildlife from coming into contact with them.
Littering Threat to Hedgehogs
This incident is the latest in a series of hedgehog rescues linked to littering. Earlier this year, a six-week-old hoglet was found with a piece of plastic embedded around its neck, and five hedgehogs were discovered covered in paint within the space of a month. Hogbin called on parents to 'make sure every last bit is disposed of properly and never left where wildlife can come into contact with it'.
The charity is asking people to stay vigilant and show kindness towards hedgehogs. Simple actions like putting out water, especially given the recent weather, or providing meaty cat or dog food can help these vulnerable animals. The rescue of Sparkle highlights the ongoing dangers that litter poses to wildlife and the importance of responsible disposal.
