RSPCA release rescued red kite found collapsed in Senghenydd

A red kite rescued by the RSPCA has been released back into the wild – and the heart-warming moment was caught on video

The bird of prey was found at a farm in Senghenydd, Caerphilly, on Friday, August 19 in a collapsed and weak state.

RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels collected the red kite – which was known to have lived at the location for a few years. There have been young fledglings spotted in the area a few times too so it is believed they may have bred in the area.

The unwell bird was taken to a wildlife hospital and then cared for by Sophie – who has experience in caring for wildlife – for a short period before going to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for rehabilitation.

“The kite was found to have swollen and bruised legs and suspected to have suffered some kind of trauma,” she said.

“Following a spell of rehabilitation, it was lovely to hear that the red kite was well enough to be released.”

On Saturday (27 Aug) the kite was released back at the incident location.

“It was just wonderful to see her fly away after being so unwell initially,” said Sophie.

“Interestingly the kite had a ring from the British Trust for Ornithology and I was able to find out from that that she was rung as a juvenile in June 2018 in Torfaen and has travelled 23 kilometres to her new location.”

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals like this red kite they have launched a Cancel Out Cruelty fund-raising campaign as summer is the busiest period for the animal welfare charity. To help support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty.

If you cannot donate, there are other ways you can help Cancel Out Cruelty, from volunteering with the RSPCA, holding a bake sale or fundraiser, or taking part in the #50MilesForAnimals challenge.

The RSPCA’s rescue teams need support to stay out on the frontline as the only charity rescuing animals and investigating cruelty.

£2 could help to provide a meal for a cat or dog in our care

£6 could help pay to feed a dog for a day in our care

£10 could help pay towards bandages for a cat or dog

£15 could help pay for a cat or dog’s clinical exam

£20 could help pay towards a bird catching kit

£30 could help pay for a life jacket for an inspector

£100 could help pay towards water rescue equipment

£500 could kit out a 4×4 inspector van

For more information on what to do if you find an injured wild bird, please visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals