Wildlife Rescue Series Premiere, 18 April 2024, Channel 4

Wildlife Rescue, a brand-new Channel 4 documentary series, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedicated team of South Essex Wildlife Hospital and their commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in Essex. In this inaugural episode, the team faces a diverse range of challenges, from animals injured by human activities to those in need of urgent medical attention.

The episode, premiering on Thursday 18 April, begins with a race against time as the rescuers rush to save a fox suffocating from a plastic bottle stuck on its head at a building site. The team’s expertise and quick thinking are put to the test as they work to free the fox and provide the necessary care to ensure its survival. Meanwhile, a swan requires life-saving surgery after swallowing a fisherman’s hook, highlighting the dangers that wildlife face and the complex medical procedures needed to save them.

Adding to the team’s challenges is a grey seal pup recovering from a dog attack. The rescuers tend to its wounds and provide the necessary rehabilitation, showcasing their dedication to protecting even the smallest of creatures. As these incidents unfold, the series provides a window into the tireless efforts of wildlife rescuers, who work around the clock to save animals and return them to their natural habitat.

Wildlife Rescue airs on Channel 4 at 8.00 pm on Thursday, 18 April 2024.