16/06/2026
A polite but important message to everyone seeking help for injured or orphaned birds in Leeds.
Please understand that there is very little support available for wild birds in Leeds. There are no official local bird charities providing a dedicated rescue, collection, transport, and rehabilitation service, so much of the work falls to a small number of independent wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers.
We ask that people remain patient, polite, and respectful when contacting us. If we do not reply immediately, it is not because we do not care. The reality is that we are often feeding orphaned babies, treating critically injured birds, administering medication, cleaning enclosures, responding to emergencies, and caring for dozens of birds and other wildlife at the same time.
Unfortunately, we also spend a significant amount of time dealing with rude, demanding, and sometimes hostile comments. Every minute spent responding to negativity is time taken away from animals that genuinely need help.
It is also important to understand that there is no dedicated transport service. Most wildlife rehabilitators do not have drivers available and cannot collect every bird reported to them. We rely heavily on members of the public and the small number of volunteer drivers who kindly give their time to help transport birds to safety.
There is also very little funding available. Every wildlife rehabilitator caring for birds in our area pays for food, medication, equipment, housing, transport, and ongoing care from their own pocket. We do not receive funding to cover the day-to-day costs of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. We do this because we care deeply about these animals and want to give every bird the best possible chance of survival.
Before criticising a delayed response, please remember that every bird in our care is being looked after by people giving their own time, energy, money, and resources. We are not paid staff sitting behind a desk waiting for messages. We are hands-on with injured and orphaned wildlife every day, often caring for multiple emergency cases at once.
If you would like to help, please consider volunteering, assisting with transport, donating supplies, or making a financial contribution. Even small acts of support make a huge difference.
Above all, please remember that the people helping these birds are doing so voluntarily, often while juggling work, family commitments, and the care of many animals. A little patience, kindness, understanding, and respect go a long way and are not too much to ask from those seeking help.
Thank you to everyone who supports, understands, and helps us continue this vital work.
