Castlewellan Red Squirrel joins Belfast Zoo’s Conservation Programme

In August things didn’t look too bright for Tommy the Red Squirrel, he had been found orphaned in Castlewellan Forest Park. But after much care and attention he is now an integral part of Northern Ireland’s Red Squirrel breeding programme at Belfast Zoo. 

The Haveron family were on a caravaning holiday in Castlewellan Forest Park. Whilst walking through the park a baby squirrel, who was 4-5 weeks old at the time, ran towards them and scampered up mum Mairead’s leg. Despite the families’ prolonged efforts to return him to the trees he stubbornly wouldn’t leave them alone. The family carefully bundled him up in a jumper and carried him back to the Park Rangers Hut for assistance. He must have known he was in good hands as he went to sleep and slept the whole way back. On the walk the baby squirrel was given a name, Tommy.

Council staff, who manage the forest park were both delighted and saddened to have Tommy as a visitor to the Rangers Hut and, as Tommy tucked into a hazelnut lunch, the Park Warden was able to contact Sandra Marsden, from 2nd Chance Rehabilitation Centre. Sandra is licenced to handle and care for Red Squirrels and has years of experience within the Forest Service and as a veterinary nurse. 

Over the past month Sandra has taken great care of Tommy, and it was hoped that he would be re-released back into Castlewellan Forest Park. However, Tommy is too fond of humans and there was a great fear he would endanger himself if he was to go back into the wild. Luckily, Sandra knew of the next best home for him and with approval from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, arranged for him to join the breeding programme at Belfast Zoo.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Bryne said, “Whilst it’s a shame Tommy can’t be released into Castlewellan Forest, where he was found by the Haveron family, we are delighted that he has done so well since his rescue, and that he will play a part in the conservation of his charismatic species. Hopefully in future years some of his offspring will be released into Castlewellan Forest Park.”

The Belfast Zoo Team, led by Senior Keeper Lynsey Perkins, have took over Tommy’s care on Sunday 22 September. Lynsey said, “Tommy will be checked on daily and kept fed, watered and his enclosure clean. Assuming he shows no symptoms of any illnesses, and the zoo vet gives the all clear after the 30-day quarantine, we will carry out a supervised introduction to the other red squirrels, which will be facilitated via the overhead runway which connects the two habitats.” She continued, “If all goes well, the current breeding pair will be retired to another area of the zoo, as they are entering their older years, and Tommy will take up the role of primary breeding male, with the choice of two females.”

The breeding programme at the Zoo is integral to the conservation of native Red Squirrels. Since 2012 Belfast Zoo have successfully released 30 individuals into the wild across six locations in Northern Ireland. Conservation efforts for this species is vital for a healthy population, as numbers are threatened by habitat loss and, primarily, the invasive Grey Squirrel from North America. Grey Squirrels were introduced to Ireland in 1911 and have since outcompeted Red Squirrels for food and habitat. Greys also carry the squirrel pox virus, which is deadly when passed to Reds.

On your next visit to Castlewellan Forest Park, or any of our other forests within the district, keep your eyes open as you never know what you might spot or discover. You can be a citizen scientist and record wildlife sightings on the iRecord app or via the Ulster Wildlife website www.ulsterwildlife.org/report-sightings. If residents want to learn more about the animals and plants that call Castlewellan Forest Park home, come along to our free Castlewellan Historic Demesne Winter Talk – The Lesser Spotted Residents on Tuesday 3 December 2024 at 7pm. 

The Winter Talk Series is provided free of charge through the “Re-rooting our past in our future” project, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Full details and booking information can be found on the ‘What’s On’ page of Visit Mournes www.visitmournemountains.co.uk.