We treat injured wild animals in Ostrobothnia — hedgehogs, eagles, swans, bats, squirrels. In partnership with Nordic Wildlife Care, on a volunteer basis and free of charge.
Young swan · brought by police · October 2025
Saari Animal Clinic works with Nordic Wildlife Care to care for injured and weakened wild animals. Our volunteer work is free for the clinic — we believe every wild animal deserves a chance to return to nature.
We provide diagnostics and emergency care: imaging, surgery, pain management and supportive care. Once stabilised, patients move on to rehabilitation at Nordic Wildlife Care, and the goal is always to release them back into the wild.
The species we treat range from hedgehogs, bats and squirrels to swans and white-tailed eagles — and every story reminds us how human activity touches wild life right outside our doors.
№1
Fox
A young fox arrived in a fox trap, limping on its right hind leg. Sedation and an X-ray revealed a fracture — thankfully an old one, already healing on its own and stable. Pain relief, rest and care at Nordic Wildlife Care; in a few weeks the fox will be free in the forest again. It managed to steal the whole clinic's heart.
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№2
Hedgehog
A hedgehog was brought to the clinic with plastic string tightly wound around the legs. Thankfully help came in time — but it reminded us how dangerous even the smallest piece of litter can be to wildlife. Plastic strapping, netting and other waste can cause serious injuries, suffering or death.
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№3
Hedgehog
A small hedgehog in clear distress. A piece of fishing line — most likely from fishing tackle — had tightened around the neck, causing pain and breathing difficulty. We carefully removed it. After a few days of rest, back to the wild.
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№4
Hedgehog
Little Simo spent weeks with us, recovering from a hind-leg injury. A quiet but stubborn patient — and we all grew attached. Today he is well enough to return where he belongs — to the forest.
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№5
Hedgehog
This wild hedgehog's front paw had been caught in a mouse trap. One toe was completely severed, another dislocated, the whole paw swollen and infected. For a hedgehog, front paws are vital — without the ability to dig there is no chance of survival. Traps left outside are a silent danger to wildlife.
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№6
Hedgehog
A hedgehog was brought to us from Seinäjoki after dental trauma. Two upper teeth had been broken down to the root. Probably our smallest dental procedure ever — and our first hedgehog tooth extraction. Recovery went well.
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№7
Swan
A young swan brought in by the police for a checkup. A thorough exam revealed no injuries — a healthy and alert bird. Just in case, the swan went to observation at Nordic Wildlife Care before being released.
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№8
White-tailed eagle
A magnificent white-tailed eagle was found near a wind farm, its wing completely shattered. Recovery was no longer possible, and with heavy hearts we made the humane decision. A symbol of power and freedom — a reminder of the invisible threats of the built environment.
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№9
Squirrel
Mauri spent over a month with us. His right knee was injured, but his small size made surgery impossible — rest and care were enough. We released him exactly where he was originally found.
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№10
Hare
A baby hare found alone, healthy and well. An important reminder: the mother hare deliberately leaves her young alone so as not to attract predators to the nest. A baby hare lying still is rarely abandoned — the best help is often to leave it be.
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№11
Bat
A small bat was found in central Vaasa, weak and unable to fly. Warmth, calm and rest — within hours, alert and ready to fly again. Released at the same spot where it was found.
Read the story on FacebookA nocturnal robot and a nocturnal hedgehog don't mix. Run robot mowers only in daylight — a hedgehog's defence (rolling into a ball) is no protection against the blades.
Outdoor mouse traps catch a hedgehog's paw just as easily as a mouse. Rodenticides end up in the food chain of predators and hedgehogs. Use poison-free, enclosed alternatives.
Fishing line, bale twine and plastic netting tighten around wildlife. Cut strings into pieces before disposal and always pack out your fishing waste.
Road traffic kills hundreds of thousands of hedgehogs in Europe every year. Wind power and solid fences create their own problems. Even a small hedgehog hole in the fence (13×13 cm) helps.
Contact the clinic before bringing the animal in, so we can prepare. If needed, we'll direct you to Nordic Wildlife Care's rehabilitation centre instead.
Call (06) 321 7300Our clinic provides emergency care on a volunteer basis, but rehabilitation, food and release happen through Nordic Wildlife Care. Their work depends on donations — every euro goes directly to wildlife care.
Donate to Nordic Wildlife Care →This year we're caring for more hedgehogs than ever. Read what it takes and sign up as a volunteer.
Article · 2026Population decline, threats, robot mowers and concrete ways to help hedgehogs — including building a winter nest.
FacebookEvery new wildlife case, rescue and release is published first on our Facebook page — over 8,000 followers.
PartnerOur partner who looks after wildlife patients after the clinic — rehabilitates, feeds and releases them back to the wild. Follow their work on Facebook.