In the middle of winter, a kind-hearted person made a surprising discovery at the bottom of their empty recycling bin—a tiny dormouse curled up and trying to hibernate in the worst possible place.
“Dormice usually sleep away the winter months nestled safely in tree hollows or dense shrubs,” the Wildlife Aid Foundation explained. “A cold, empty bin isn’t where one should be braving the freezing temperatures, so the caller brought her straight to us.”
The team at Wildlife Aid quickly took the little one in and named her Walnut. After checking her health and providing food and fluids, they placed her in a cozy artificial nest where she could safely continue her winter slumber.
And sleep she did—for 102 straight days.
For over three months, Walnut remained in deep hibernation, perfectly still and quiet. Then, slowly but surely, she began to stir. Her rescuers watched in delight as she finally opened her tiny eyes again and began to explore the world around her.
“Over the last two weeks she has become increasingly active,” Wildlife Aid shared on Facebook.
With her strength restored and spring in full swing, it was finally time for Walnut to return to the wild. The Wildlife Aid team partnered with the Surrey Dormouse Group to release her into a carefully chosen, dormouse-friendly habitat filled with hazel trees—just the kind of environment her species thrives in.
Though it was bittersweet to say goodbye to one of their “cutest patients of the year,” the team was overjoyed to see Walnut get the fresh start she deserved.
Thanks to one caring person and a dedicated rescue team, Walnut now has a second chance at a wild and happy life.
