Ultra cute endangered dormice have been released back into the wild after weeks of health checks and round-the-clock care.
The 10 hazel dormice spent several weeks in specialist quarantine facilities as part of a major conservation effort to help restore the species to the British countryside.
Before being let loose, each tiny mammal underwent health checks, monitoring and daily care to make sure they were fit and healthy.
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Experts at Paignton Zoo, Devon, carried out the checks at a specialist quarantine facility.
The creatures are known to be highly sensitive, with experts taking extra care at every stage to give them the best chance of survival.
The dormice have now joined more than 40 others released into woodland on the Bradgate Park Trust estate, Leicestershire.
The release is part of a long-running reintroduction programme led by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and its partners.
Hazel dormice were once commonly spotted across England and Wales.
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But habitat loss and woodland fragmentation have caused their numbers to fall dramatically, as reported by Whats The Jam.
“We’re thrilled that more dormice will be joining our existing population this year,” said James Dymond, Director of Bradgate Park Trust.
“We’re looking forward to another summer of nest box checks with our fantastic volunteers and, hopefully, finding even more evidence of breeding.”
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Since 1993, more than 1,100 dormice have been released into carefully chosen woodlands across Britain to help rebuild lost populations.
This year marks the 20th year in a row that Paignton Zoo has backed the programme.
The zoo has provided specialist quarantine facilities, veterinary care and close monitoring to help the tiny animals on their journey back to the wild.
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