JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

August 2003  

IN SAFE HANDS

Kind workman in St John took three baby red squirrels to the Animals’ Shelter after it appeared that they had been orphaned.  Liasing closely with squirrel expert Dr Louise Magris, from the Jersey Environmental Services Unit, JSPCA Animals’ shelter staff are successfully rearing the little creatures and they will be released in the wild when mature enough.

Throughout mainland Britain the red squirrel is almost extinct due to competition from the introduced grey squirrel.  There are no grey squirrels in Jersey, so the population of red squirrels is very important.  They are also loved by Islanders and their presence provides a good indication of the health of the woodlands in Jersey.

To find out how you can do more to help the Jersey red squirrels, contact the States of Jersey Environmental Services Unit at the Frances Le Sueur Centre, St Ouen.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

• Dr Louise Magris is involved in the Jersey Red Squirrel Project, which is a study to investigate the ecology and conservation of Jersey’s red squirrels.  The project was kindly supported by The Jersey Ecology Fund, The States of Jersey Environmental Services Unit, The Soroptimist International and a private donation. 
• The Jersey Red Squirrel Project is affiliated to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter meaning it works together with the JSPCA, helping to promote animal welfare and ensure that scarce resources are best utilised.