Young Sparrow "Groover" Recovering at GSPCA After Unexpected Shelter Visit
The GSPCA wildlife team is caring for a young sparrow after the bird unexpectedly flew into one of the charity's buildings whilst staff and volunteers were busy preparing the GSPCA's entry for the Torteval Scarecrow Festival.
The young sparrow arrived at the Animal Shelter on Tuesday 22nd July after becoming disorientated and flying into a building. The bird, now affectionately named Groover, was safely caught by Seb Goman and Ana Amaral and quickly assessed by the GSPCA wildlife team.
Groover appeared to be a little stunned and dehydrated following the collision, but thankfully suffered no major injuries. Since arriving into care the young sparrow has been making good progress and is recovering well.
The GSPCA hopes to move Groover into one of its aviaries soon to help build up strength and confidence before being released back into the wild.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Every year we care for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and birds like Groover are a perfect example of why our wildlife rescue service is so important. Thankfully Seb and Ana were able to safely catch the young sparrow and bring him straight to our wildlife team for assessment and care.
"Groover was a little stunned and dehydrated after flying into a building, but he has responded well to treatment and is recovering nicely. We hope to move him into an aviary soon before releasing him back into the wild where he belongs.
"If you find an injured, sick or orphaned wild animal, please remember that the GSPCA is here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact the Animal Shelter at any time on 257261 and select option 1 for emergencies. We also have a wide range of wildlife advice available online to help members of the public determine the best course of action."
The GSPCA's wildlife advice pages can be found at:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice
Whilst Groover's story has a happy ending so far, the GSPCA sees a huge variety of unusual wildlife and animal rescues every year. Over the years animals have quite literally handed themselves into the charity, from herds of cows and wandering horses to two goats that once walked into the shelter car park. Coincidentally, on the same day that Groover arrived, an injured pigeon also landed in the shelter car park seeking help.
Sadly, the GSPCA continues to see many wild rabbits suffering from the devastating effects of myxomatosis, highlighting the constant demand placed on the charity's wildlife rescue services.
Animals like Groover will soon benefit from the GSPCA's brand-new Wildlife Hospital, currently under construction as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal. The new facilities will provide significantly improved treatment and rehabilitation accommodation for injured and orphaned wildlife from across the Bailiwick.
To find out more about the latest progress on the Wildlife Hospital build and how to support the appeal, visit:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/breaking-news-kennel-foundations-begin-major-milestone-gspcabiggestbuildappeal
The GSPCA would like to thank everyone who supports the charity's wildlife rescue work and helps ensure animals like Groover receive the care they need before returning to the wild.
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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