ROUGHLY 50 animals are day are being cared for a day at a wildlife hospital as the hot weather causes “absolute chaos”.

With temperatures regularly topping 25 degrees last week staff at South Essex Wildlife Hospital were rushed off their feet.

The hot weather combined with Covid restrictions easing have had a negative impact on wildlife with people rushing to parks and open spaces in large numbers.

The wildlife hospital is now “entering a crucial period”, with bosses issuing a warning to residents.

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“Human hazards is one of the biggest problems we face”, said Sue Schwar, 56, the manager of the hospital in Orsett “Cats catching birds is the biggest driver of calls and injuries.

“We’re begging people to keep an eye on their cats, and to keep dogs on leads.

“Another problem we have is that people hold onto the injured animals and don’t let us know until its too late.

“We had all sorts of animals in last week, from seal pups to rabbits. We had everything through the door.

“We’ve just been getting on with things as normal in the pandemic, but it’s getting really busy at the moment, it’s just that time of year.”

Wildlife has “really benefited” from draconian lockdown measures, with people stuck indoors.

But as restrictions ease, the number of injured animals brought into the hospital has increased.

Sue added: “It’s absolute chaos at the moment.

“We’ve got hundreds of animals receiving treatment at the moment.

“With other centres full already, we’re the only place that can take them.

“We’re a victim of our own success, we’re the only place that can do what we can around here. The closest is Buckinghamshire or Norfolk.

“We can’t turn anyone away, even if we’re really busy, because they’ve got nowhere else to go.”

The south Essex Wildlife Hospital relies on generous from members of the public donations to continue its work.

A spokesman from the hospital, added: “What a week.

“An incredible variation of species and traumas have been admitted.

“Some animals are from other rescues who understandably are full up and need help.”

To donate, visit southessexwildlife.org/donate/