Tor the Buzzard Takes the Next Step Towards Freedom
The GSPCA is delighted to share the progress of Tor the buzzard, who was rescued as a vulnerable chick after being found under attack from crows earlier this year.
After being brought into the GSPCA, Tor required weeks of specialist care and hand rearing from the charity's dedicated team. Thanks to this care and rehabilitation, Tor has now reached a significant milestone and has today been moved to one of the GSPCA's outer aviaries, where he will continue learning the skills needed to survive independently in the wild.
The move marks an important stage in his rehabilitation journey, allowing him more space to exercise, build strength and develop natural behaviours before eventually being considered for release.
Every year the GSPCA helps between 2,000 and 3,000 wild birds, ranging from tiny garden birds and seabirds to birds of prey such as buzzards and owls. The charity's Wildlife Hospital team works around the clock caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife brought in from across the Bailiwick.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"Tor's story is a wonderful example of why wildlife rehabilitation is so important. He was found as a tiny chick being attacked by crows and would almost certainly not have survived without intervention.”
"Our team has spent weeks hand rearing and caring for him, and it is fantastic to see him now out in one of our outer aviaries where he can begin learning to look after himself. Every step of rehabilitation is carefully planned to give wildlife the best possible chance of returning to the wild.”
"We see between 2,000 and 3,000 wild birds every year at the GSPCA, and each one has its own story. While some can be treated and released very quickly, others like Tor require weeks or even months of dedicated care.”
"As demand for our wildlife services continues to grow, we are continuing to build our new Wildlife Hospital as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far and would urge anyone who can help to get involved and support the future of wildlife care in Guernsey."
“A huge thanks to the Work 2 Benefit team who have helped rebuild the aviary after last years storm damage and to Katie who let Tor go in the aviary earlier today.”
What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird
The GSPCA is also reminding islanders that not every baby bird found on the ground needs rescuing.
Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly properly and are still being fed and cared for by their parents nearby.
If the chick appears healthy and uninjured:
- Place it somewhere safe and elevated nearby, away from immediate dangers such as roads, dogs and cats.
- Observe from a distance and monitor whether the parents return.
- Avoid handling the bird more than necessary.
However, if the bird is:
- Injured,
- Sick,
- Covered in flies,
- Attacked by a cat or dog,
- Orphaned,
- Or if no parent birds can be seen after monitoring,
please contact the GSPCA for advice on 257261 or bring the bird directly to the GSPCA Animal Shelter in St Andrews.
Further wildlife advice, rescue information and details on supporting the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal can be found at:
www.gspca.org.gg
The GSPCA would like to thank the members of the public who help wildlife in need and looks forward to sharing further updates on Tor's rehabilitation in the coming months.
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
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th 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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