First red squirrel kits born at sanctuary
Image source, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre
The red squirrel kits are not expected to leave their nest for some time
Baby red squirrel kits have been born for the first time at a sanctuary, with hopes that they could be released into the wild to boost population numbers.
The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, in Stonham Aspal, announced the kits were born in May after a breeding pair were partnered up in January.
England's red squirrels are close to extinction - according to campaign group Save Our Reds - with as few as 15,000 remaining across the country.
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary said the kits were bred as part of a programme that would see them released into protected reserves in the wild.
Watch: First red squirrel kits born at sanctuary
Zoological director Emily Quantrill said: "This litter marks a fabulous conservation effort for the protection of an endangered British species and this is a very proud moment for the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary."
The first red squirrels, three females, were brought to the registered charity in 2024.
It said it was unlikely that the kits would be seen "out and about in their enclosure until they mature and the charity asks visitors to be mindful and keep noise and disruptions to a minimum".
Image source, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre
Zoological director Emily Quantrill said the kits would help conservation efforts for red squirrels
According to Natural England, external, causes for the decline include the introduction of grey squirrels from the USA and Canada from 1876, spreading the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to the red squirrels only.
The group said habitat loss and weak enforcement of existing protections were adding to the problem.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said the government was protecting endangered red squirrels by tackling the threat of non-native grey squirrels.
Image source, Liam Austin
Three female red squirrels were initially brought to the sanctuary
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Red squirrel kits have been born at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in Stonham Aspal, following the arrival of three female red squirrels in 2024 and their partnership with a breeding male in January. The kits, born in May, are part of a planned conservation programme to release animals into protected reserves. England's red squirrel population has declined sharply; Natural England identifies grey squirrels introduced from North America since 1876 as a primary cause, as they carry squirrelpox virus fatal to red squirrels. Habitat loss and enforcement gaps also contribute to decline. The government has stated it is protecting red squirrels by addressing the grey squirrel threat.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Image source, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre
The red squirrel kits are not expected to leave their nest for some time
Baby red squirrel kits have been born for the first time at a sanctuary, with hopes that they could be released into the wild to boost population numbers.
The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, in Stonham Aspal, announced the kits were born in May after a breeding pair were partnered up in January.
England's red squirrels are close to extinction - according to campaign group Save Our Reds - with as few as 15,000 remaining across the country.
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary said the kits were bred as part of a programme that would see them released into protected reserves in the wild.
Watch: First red squirrel kits born at sanctuary
Zoological director Emily Quantrill said: "This litter marks a fabulous conservation effort for the protection of an endangered British species and this is a very proud moment for the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary."
The first red squirrels, three females, were brought to the registered charity in 2024.
It said it was unlikely that the kits would be seen "out and about in their enclosure until they mature and the charity asks visitors to be mindful and keep noise and disruptions to a minimum".
Image source, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre
Zoological director Emily Quantrill said the kits would help conservation efforts for red squirrels
According to Natural England, external, causes for the decline include the introduction of grey squirrels from the USA and Canada from 1876, spreading the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to the red squirrels only.
The group said habitat loss and weak enforcement of existing protections were adding to the problem.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said the government was protecting endangered red squirrels by tackling the threat of non-native grey squirrels.
Image source, Liam Austin
Three female red squirrels were initially brought to the sanctuary
Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Red squirrel kits were born for the first time at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in May, following a breeding pair partnership established in January 2024 Approximately 15,000 red squirrels remain in England Grey squirrels were introduced from the USA and Canada from 1876 onwards Grey squirrels carry squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels The kits are bred as part of a programme to release them into protected wild reserves Habitat loss and weak enforcement of protections are adding to the decline problem The kits' birth marks a fabulous conservation effort and proud moment for the sanctuary Visitors should minimise noise and disruptions near the kits' enclosure
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- Red squirrel kits born for the first time at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in May 2024, following a breeding pair partnership established in January
- The sanctuary plans to release the kits into protected wild reserves as part of a conservation programme
- England's red squirrel population has declined to approximately 15,000 remaining, threatened by grey squirrels carrying squirrelpox virus, habitat loss, and weak enforcement of protections