Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary Association Limited

Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary Association Limited is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of wild birds. Founded in 1928 by sisters Dorothy and Pog Yglesias, the hospital is located in Mousehole, Cornwall, and has provided nearly a century of continuous care for sick and injured wild birds, serving both land and seabird species[1][5].

History and Purpose

Established to aid wild birds suffering from injuries, illness, or contamination—particularly from chemicals and oil spillages—the hospital aims to relieve the suffering and distress of wild birds of all species. It also promotes research into avian diseases, their prevention, control, and care, and publishes its findings to contribute to the broader understanding and welfare of wild birds[4][5].

Activities and Services

Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital rescues, treats, and rehabilitates over 1,000 wild birds annually, including herring gulls, robins, magpies, crows, pigeons, and doves. The hospital provides sanctuary for birds that cannot be returned to the wild. In addition to direct care, the organization benefits the public by disseminating information about wild bird welfare and enabling visitors to observe hospital activities[1][4].

The hospital manages admissions carefully to mitigate risks such as Avian Flu and advises the public on how to handle injured birds, directing those with landbirds to other local wildlife centers[1][2].

Organization and Funding

The hospital operates as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital (company number 01270673) and holds registered charity status (charity number 272145). Its principal activities are veterinary care and educational support services. The organization does not receive government funding and depends entirely on legacies, donations, and membership subscriptions for financial support[3][4][5].

Governance and Volunteers

The hospital is managed by a board of seven trustees and supported by a team of volunteers who form the backbone of its operations. No trustees receive remuneration or benefits from the charity. The organization employs some staff but has no employees with total benefits exceeding £60,000[4].

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending 31 December 2023, the charity reported a total income of £91,296 and total expenditures of £148,205, reflecting significant investment in its services and facilities[4].

Facilities and Future Plans

Situated atop cliffs overlooking the fishing village of Mousehole, the hospital is seeking to raise funds to enhance its infrastructure, including improving biosecurity, refurbishing treatment facilities, creating an isolation suite, and constructing a flight aviary to better serve its avian patients[5].

Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary Association Limited remains the only wildlife center in Cornwall solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of wild birds, playing a vital role in the conservation and welfare of avian species in the region[5].

[1] https://mouseholebirdhospital.org.uk [2] https://mouseholebirdhospital.org.uk/care/ [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01270673 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/272145 [5] https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/charities/mousehole-wild-bird-hospital-and-sanctuary-association-ltd/76.supplier