A black swan and a kingfisher are among some of the unusual feathered friends to arrive at RSPCA Bradford’s newly-developed wildlife centre.

The swan, found in a car park in Guiseley, and the kingfisher, which had to be X-rayed as it was unable to fly, were cared for by staff at the Mount Street site.

Previous occupants who have also been cared for there include an owl, a koi carp rescued from a wheelie bin, a peacock, peregrine falcons, harris hawks and kestrels.

Staff also hand-fed two woodpigeons brought in and they also take in foxes, hedgehogs, badgers and ducks.

Terry Singh, manager of Bradford’s RSPCA branch, said the development of the £10,000 wildlife facility, which involved the renovation of some stables, has enabled the charity to help other centres cope with the demand.

Funded through the RSPCA’s regional board, the wildlife centre will help to ease the overflow from the charity’s dedicated wildlife centre such as Stapeley Grange, one of four RSPCA bases supporting the rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned and confiscated wildlife.

Mr Singh said the development of the centre had enabled staff to nurse sick and injured wildlife back to health.

“It is a lifesaver, not just for Bradford because we will take them (wildlife) in from all over the north,” he said.

The branch also has a maternity home for cats as well as kennels on the site making it one of the most comprehensive animal sites in West Yorkshire.

  • Staff at the Bradford centre are appealing for bedding for the animals it is looking after. It desperately need blankets, sheets, old curtains, throws and large towels. Anyone who can help should contact (01274) 723063.