Not such a bright idea

Poor Lumen! This curious little fox must have been terrified when she found herself in a rather unusual – and very uncomfortable – predicament, with her head firmly stuck inside an ornate solar garden lantern.

We can only imagine her confusion and panic as she desperately tried to free herself, thrashing around with the heavy lantern still attached to her head. Thankfully, one of our wildlife rescuers was on hand to help. Lumen was carefully contained and brought straight to Tiggywinkles, lantern and all!

Once she arrived, our veterinary team faced the delicate task of setting her free. With the lantern firmly wedged around her head, it wasn’t going to be a straightforward rescue. Working patiently and carefully, they set about cutting away the offending garden ornament, taking every precaution to keep Lumen safe and avoid causing her any further distress.

Eventually, success! The lantern was finally removed, and Lumen could see the world again without a rather inconvenient piece of garden decoration attached to her head.

Understandably, she was frightened and stressed after her ordeal, and the lantern had left her with a wound around her neck where it had become trapped. Thankfully, the injury wasn’t too severe. Our team treated the wound and gave her a course of antibiotics, keeping a close eye on her as she recovered.

After a few days of care, Lumen had made a wonderful recovery and was ready for the moment we’d all been hoping for – her return to the wild. She was safely released back where she had been found, with no lantern in sight!

Could your garden be hiding a wildlife hazard?

Although Lumen’s predicament was certainly unusual, it highlights a very real danger to curious wildlife. Foxes are naturally inquisitive animals, and everyday garden objects can sometimes land them in serious trouble.

Items with small openings, loops or enclosed spaces can trap heads, legs or bodies, leaving animals frightened, injured and unable to escape.

Please take a few moments to check your garden for potential hazards. Make sure decorative lanterns, pots, containers and other objects are secure or safely stored away, so that wildlife can explore without getting into a fix.

We’re so relieved that Lumen’s story had a happy ending. Thanks to the quick actions of our rescuer and the careful work of our veterinary team, this little fox is back where she belongs – out in the wild, and hopefully keeping her nose out of trouble!