A badger cub, found orphaned just outside Croydon over Easter, is one of the many wild animals which will be cared for this year at London Wildcare.

The wildlife hospital in Beddington Park, Wallington, admits nearly 4,000 animals each year. More than 1,500 of them are from Croydon.

Orinoco the badger cub is one of the lucky ones, there are many other wild animals who cannot fend for themselves or are injured and left to die because they go unnoticed.

Ted Burden, director at London Wildcare, said: "At this time of year the hospital is inundated with baby animals, including ducklings, squirrels, birds and fox cubs.

"The advice to anyone finding any sick, injured or orphaned wild animal is to telephone the centre immediately."

Orinoco will remain at the hospital until September, when he will be released through a controlled programme at one of London Wildcare's special sites in the south of England.

The centre is manned 24 hours a day and open 365 days a year. Trained staff and volunteers are always on hand to give advice and if necessary workers will be sent to assess a situation.

Anyone wishing to see the work first hand can attend an open day at the centre in Church Road on Saturday, May 3, between 11am and 4pm.

There will be stalls and refreshments and visitors can look around the wards and enclosures and see the young animals being hand reared by staff and volunteers.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children. Special guest will be the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Stuart Collins.

All money raised will go towards supporting the charity, which relies on public donations.

For assistance with any wildlife casualty, or for more details about the open day, call the hospital on 020 8647 6230.

April 30, 2003 12:30