08.07.08
A lucky raven that was plucked to safety by an abseiling RSPCA inspector two months ago took a flight for freedom back to the wild yesterday.
The RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire, has been the juvenile bird's sanctuary since 9 May, when it was brought in for specialist care and attention.
The raven was dramatically rescued in May after it was seen struggling to free itself from its nest, which was on a cliff face on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.
Raven was left trapped and alone
The mother raven and the bird's siblings had flown the nest, leaving the raven trapped and alone. The bird's leg was caught in the nest by a piece of string, meaning that the bird would have died without human intervention.
Ravens tend to live in inaccessible areas, mostly coastal and mountainous areas, therefore it was extremely fortunate that the plight of the raven was seen.
RSPCA carried out successful rope rescue
A call was made to the RSPCA and when an inspector went to assess the situation, it was clear that the only option would be to mount a rope rescue.
A team of RSPCA inspectors came to the rescue, with RSPCA Inspector Tim Jones abseiling down the cliff face to the bird.
The rescue was a success, but as the raven was only six weeks old, it could not be released. Instead it was taken to the RSPCA wildlife centre until it was old and strong enough to survive in the wild.
Wildlife centre gave raven a helping hand
RSPCA Inspector Tim Jones said: "We were extremely pleased with this rescue back in May, but we knew that the bird's chance of survival in the wild at this time was not good.
"Young ravens fledge at about six weeks but are then dependant on their parents for a further three to four weeks after fledging.
"Ravens can stay together in a family group for another six months, so we knew the raven needed a further helping hand in order to survive."
Dr Andrew Kelly, manager at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, and his staff provided this helping hand. He said: "We are delighted the raven is being released back to the wild where we are confident it will survive.
"We have cared for 10 ravens at Stapeley over the last three years. It is not a bird we see often due to the inaccessible areas in which ravens normally live."
Raven joins roost on Anglesey
Dr Kelly added: "We have done our homework about where best to release the raven. We contacted Nigel Brown based at University of Wales in Bangor who has studied a roost of ravens on Anglesey for nine years.
"We knew there was a risk to the juvenile if we released it back to its family. Releasing it to this roost instead, which consists of around 300 birds, was a far better option.
"Joining the roost the raven will get protection and shared knowledge of sources of food. Ravens are highly intelligent and it is hoped that our raven will join with the resident ravens to forage and learn the skills it requires for survival."
photo © RSPCA
