George the Kestrel Back Where He Belongs After Four Days of Care at the GSPCA
The GSPCA is delighted to report the successful release of a kestrel nicknamed George after just four days in the charity's care.
George was found sitting in a driveway on Rue des Villains, Torteval, where he was easily picked up by a concerned member of the public who recognised that something was wrong and brought him to the GSPCA Wildlife Team for assessment.
On arrival, George was carefully examined and it was suspected that he had likely flown into an object and been temporarily stunned. Thankfully, no serious injuries were found and, after a period of rest, observation and supportive care from the Wildlife Team, he steadily regained his strength.
After four days of TLC, George was deemed fit for release and was returned to the wild on 31st July, a beautiful sunny day which provided ideal conditions for his return to freedom.
Katie Holloway, who helped care for George and was there to release him, said:
"George was a lovely kestrel to care for and it was wonderful to see how quickly he recovered. Birds of prey can often come into our care after collisions, and thankfully George did not have any serious injuries. Watching him fly away strongly back into the wild on such a beautiful day made all the hard work worthwhile. It is always a very special moment when an animal can return to where it belongs."
The release is another reminder of the importance of the GSPCA's wildlife rescue service, which operates every day of the year and helps thousands of wild animals annually.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"It is always wonderful when we can help wildlife and see them return to the wild so quickly. George's story had a very happy ending and shows the difference that prompt action by members of the public can make. By bringing him to us quickly, he was able to receive the care he needed and be back where he belongs within a matter of days."
"Our Wildlife Team, animal ambulances and rescue services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and this year we have been busier than we can ever remember. We have seen particularly large numbers of poorly and injured rabbits, along with many other wildlife casualties needing urgent help."
"At the same time, we continue to build the new Wildlife Hospital as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal. The new facilities will help us care for wildlife patients like George for many years to come, giving injured birds and animals the best possible chance of recovery and release. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far, but we still need help to complete this vital project."
Supporters can help the appeal in many ways, including making a donation, taking part in fundraising events, sponsoring facilities, or supporting the popular Buy A Brick campaign.
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned animal, please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or visit www.gspca.org.gg for advice and information on how to help.
Every rescued animal matters, and thanks to the support of the community, stories like George's continue to have happy endings.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 15th August 2026
- West Show 19th-20th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 26th-27th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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