From ponies to seals: Animal rescues over the years

Having such a variety of wildlife also means that over the years there have been many occasions where people have had to step in and save an injured or distressed animal.

These fascinating pictures from the archives remember times when animals have been rescued in the county.

Shirley Walbancke of the Horse Rescue Fund with a rescued horse (Image: Archant)

Shirley Walbancke was an important part of the Horse Rescue Fund, which has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in distress in Norfolk and Suffolk for over 30 years.

A picture of Shirley Walbancke, taken in 1987 at the Horse Rescue Fund. (Image: Archant)

They continue their work to this day at their HQ in Beccles at Woodstock farm.

Many of their horses go on to live happy lives competing at shows, and spectators are left unaware of the hardships faced by the horses earlier in their lives.

Phoenix receiving treatment at Redwings Horse Hospital in Aylsham. (Image: Redwings)

Norfolk is home to another successful equine-welfare charity, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, in Hapton near Norwich .

Recently Redwings gained national attention after the terrible story of Phoenix, who had suffered awful burns in an attack. Thankfully Phoenix is on his way to recovery and seems to be doing well.

The RSPCA work tirelessly to ensure animals to treat injured animals and promote animal welfare. In 1988, this box of kittens came into the care of RSPCA Norfolk after they were abandoned.

A box full of adorable kittens were rescued by the RSPCA in 1988 (Image: Archant)

Norfolk is the home of many different bird species, with a number of migratory birds travelling to the region each year.

Swans are a common feature of rivers, lakes and ponds in the county and they can often get up to mischief and need rescuing.

Len Baker of Swan Rescue saves a handful of baby cygnets (Image: Archant)

Here, Len Baker of the Swan Rescue Service, is pictured with a handful of cygnets which he rescued in 1988.

The Norfolk coast is home to one of the largest seal colonies in the country. Unfortunately for the seals, they can often become trapped in discarded netting or be injured while out at sea.

A seal being rescued in Blakeney on the north Norfolk coast in 1989 (Image: Archant)

They are incredible creatures that deserve respect.

This past year there have been several incidences of seals being harassed by the public on Norfolk beaches.

A seal that had been rescued in 1995, who was cared for at the Hopton Wildlife Hospital (Image: Archant)

There have been several seals who have got caught in plastic toys or discarded fishing netting on Norfolk's beaches this year. We need to care for our animals now more than ever and it is sad to see so many in distress.

Do you remember any memorable moments when wildlife has been rescued in Norfolk?

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