Entangled thrush rescued and released thanks to RSPCA and fire service

The bird had wire stuck around its foot, 40 feet high up in a tree

A thrush entangled on a tree branch 40 feet high near Pontypool has been released back into the wild – thanks to successful partnership working.

The rescue took place on Tuesday 17 March at Mamhilad Industrial Park, Mamhilad, near Pontypool. The small bird had been spotted by staff at Monmouthshire Housing Association, 40 feet high up a tree and was unable to free itself due to wire stuck around its foot on a branch.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan assessed the situation and called South Wales Fire & Rescue Service for assistance who sent Red Watch from Station 33 New Inn.

Kirsty said: “This poor bird was clearly very distressed and was flapping upside down high up in the tree trying to free itself.

“The fire crew arrived promptly following my call and they were able to use their specialist equipment to free the bird.

“The wire was wrapped too tight around its leg for me to remove it, so I took the thrush to a vets where the wire was removed.

“The bird had a night of rest and some anti-inflammatory medication and was then fit enough for me to release him back into the wild – which was such a lovely moment!” (video here)

Kirsty added that she wished to thank everyone involved.

“We’re ever so grateful to the fire service for their assistance and expertise and we’d also like to thank the vet along with Monmouthshire Housing Association for alerting us to this bird’s entanglement.

“By working together, we can all help more animals, more quickly. We’re grateful to all animal-lovers for helping to create a kinder world for every kind.”

A representative from Monmouthshire Housing Association’s Facilities Team said: “I spotted what I initially thought was a bat hanging from one of the trees at the back of our HQ.

“When we looked closer, we realised it was a thrush hanging in the tree upside down. We considered how we could reach it, but at over 40 feet high, it was not safe for us to attempt.

“The bird found a nearby branch to perch on, where it spent the afternoon, occasionally attempting to fly away but was unable to do so, which caused us some concern. We subsequently contacted the wonderful RSPCA, who then coordinated with the fire service to come to the rescue and help save this beautiful creature.

“We were delighted when the RSPCA returned the thrush and released it outside our HQ. Upon landing in a nearby tree, a second thrush flew over, and the two birds began calling to each other, it was a heartwarming scene! Our rural communities and wildlife are incredibly important to us, and we are thrilled that the bird is safe and well!”

The RSPCA receives thousands of calls every year about animals affected by angling litter and is urging anglers to take more care with waste disposal and follow the Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign.

This rescue also comes as Keep Wales Tidy ‘Spring Clean Cymru’ kicks off (it runs from Friday 21 March – 6 April).

The RSPCA’s anti-litter campaign manager Carrie Stones said: “It’s distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter, and we urge everyone in Wales to join the Spring Clean Cymru’ to help protect animals.

“Our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter. 

“Old drinks cans and bottles, plastic items and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a danger to our wildlife – including, more than any other mammals, foxes, deer and hedgehogs. Animals can ingest the litter or become entangled, leading to injuries, mutilations and even death.

“Sadly, for every animal we’re able to help there are probably many others that go unseen, unreported and some of our fellow living creatures may even be losing their lives. 

“But the public can help us protect animals, and avoid these incidents happening in the first place.”

Our specialist officers will always help with complex rescues like this where we can, to ensure the safety of both the animal and the public by using our specialist skills, training and equipment. But there are also lots of situations where animal-lovers can help animals themselves, such as when a hedgehog has fallen into a garden drain or a bird has flown into a kitchen.

When an animal is in need, the quicker they get help the better. We’re asking the public to help smaller trapped animals if it’s safe to do so. We have step-by-step guides on how to help mammals here and birds here to help the public free animals from common scenarios, such as a hedgehog tangled in a football net or a bat trapped in a garage.

If you find a dog who is trapped please contact your local authority’s stray dog service; you can find your nearest one here. They can request the support of our teams if they require specialist skills and we’re able to respond.

To help the RSPCA rescue more animals like this thrush please visit rspca.org.uk/appeal