I’m Mulan and this is my story

I arrived at Hogfields on 14th April 2021. I was in a bad way after being caught with a strimmer.

I'm going to start my story with a plea, and ask that you please check your gardens for hedgehogs before you get the strimmer, mower or gardening tools out. We like to nest in long grass, compost heaps (well heaps of any sort really), we've also been known to dig and cover ourselves over. Thank you.

Anyway back to me!

When I was examined at the Hogspikal it was found that I had a large infected wound across my face and it looked like I was missing an eye. It was too late to go to the vet so I was put in a hutch with a nice warm heat pad (my electric blanket), food and given painkillers. My carers did not think I would survive and I wasn't given a name, I was just called 'baby girl' (they only name us when they think we will survive, or in my case because I had to go to the vet). I became famous on Facebook and Instagram that evening to highlight the dangers of gardening equipment to hedgehogs and wildlife in general.

I did not come out that first night to eat or drink and my carers were surprised that I was still alive the next day. I was taken to the vets that morning and, I was given a name 'Mulan' (after the strong, independent woman in the Disney film). The vet cleaned my wound, removed all the dead tissue and sent me 'home' with antibiotics and painkillers to return a week later.

Yesterday, 23rd April I went back to the vets. My wound was cleaned again and this time it was stitched together, I have a small wound in my mouth which is infected. I am back home and will continue with my medication and have another check up next week. My carers are really happy with me, I am eating loads and gaining weight and I take my medicines like a 'champ'.

I still have a long journey in my road to recovery and will be at Hogfields for a while yet. My carers say I am an expensive little hog, but that I am worth it. They say I am a strong and brave little girl and they are confident that I will return back to the wild where I belong.

My carers and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Streetly Vets who are amazing. Without them, I would not be here today.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. We will keep you updated of my progress on the Hogfields Facebook and Instagram pages🥰

Love Mulan 💪❤

Hogfields Hedgehog Rescue rely on donations, please support them to help give other hedgehogs like me a chance. We are now classed as ‘vulnerable’ in the UK. Please help in the fight to save our species.

All money raised goes towards the veterinary care, running of the rescue and rehabilitation of the prickly patients.