The hedgehog rescue association was founded on October 1, 2021. Since then, we have rescued numerous hedgehogs. Unfortunately, we have had to put some of them out of their misery in collaboration with vets.
Shortly after the foundation, we realized that we needed a professional and larger hedgehog station in order to be able to help even more animals and at the same time relieve the burden on regional veterinary practices and clinics, which do not usually take in wild animals. This need became particularly clear after a hedgehog station in Oberentfelden was closed at the end of 2022 on the instructions of the veterinary office.
Today we are proud to announce that our professional hedgehog station has been successfully completed. We have entrusted the management of the new station to a trained wildlife keeper (EFZ) to ensure that it is run in a professional and expert manner. Piet Umiker is responsible for the management, and his experience and unpaid commitment have made a significant contribution to bringing the organization to this professional level.
Our commitment is also viewed positively by the cantons of Aargau and Solothurn, as they want to avoid forced closures similar to those in Oberentfelden in the future. We are proud to play a pioneering role in hedgehog rescue in the region and do everything we can to help endangered hedgehogs and improve their living conditions in the long term.
We are also actively committed to biodiversity: we promote native plants at the edge of the forest and give talks at schools to raise awareness of the need to protect wildlife and its habitats.
With a great deal of commitment and passion, we help where we discover suffering and help where others look away.
“Ever since I can remember, I have been guided by my heart for animals. As a child, I used to bring home a bird that had fallen out of its nest in the forest and nurse it back to health. I also remember bringing hedgehogs to the hedgehog station in winter when I was a little boy. So it was not surprising that I also dedicated my professional future to animals. In 2016, I founded the Tierhotel 5 Stern AG to realize my dream of a boarding kennel that goes far beyond the legal requirements for species-appropriate animal husbandry. Because of my love for animals and my desire to raise awareness of species-appropriate animal husbandry among the next generation, I am involved in the Hedgehog Aid Association. Through my role as managing director, I can offer the association a solid foundation and help to protect the lives of hedgehogs.”
Managing Director
“Although I don’t have any pets, the welfare of animals is close to my heart. Through the work of the association, I first became aware of the situation in Swiss animal shelters and the fundamental problems. I think the association is a great vehicle for bringing about a change in the current situation. That’s why I decided to work for the Igel-Hilfe association free of charge with my graphic design company Blue Yeti Studios.”
Board of Directors, President
Board of Directors, Actuary
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Responsible animal care
“Animals have been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a qualified veterinary practice assistant, I have the privilege of working directly with hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are fascinating and valuable creatures. Unfortunately, however, they are increasingly struggling to survive. Habitat loss, intensive traffic and the decline of natural food sources are taking their toll on these small spiny creatures. It is not only our duty but also a privilege to care for those who cannot help themselves. Working with hedgehogs reminds me of this every day. My job is not just a job, but a matter of the heart. Every hedgehog I look after reminds me why I chose this path: Hedgehogs deserve respect, care and protection.”
Manager
“My valuable experience at another hedgehog sanctuary has taught me how important it is to help these fascinating animals in difficult life situations. I put my heart and expertise into ensuring that these little prickly animals get the support they deserve. Whether it’s caring for injured and weak hedgehogs, educating them and building hedgehog-friendly habitats. Animals are very close to my heart, and the protection of our native hedgehogs is particularly important to me. Not only are they an essential part of our ecosystem, but they are also threatened by habitat loss and environmental factors.”
Wildlife keeper
“Animals are my passion – and have been my whole life. I worked for many years as a qualified animal keeper at the Tierhotel 5 Stern, where I was able to look after and pamper countless animals.
Today, I dedicate my time and my heart to the small, prickly garden dwellers. With a lot of patience and care, I am committed to giving injured and orphaned hedgehogs a second chance – until they can return to nature healthy and strong. In addition to my work for the hedgehogs at the station, I am also committed to preserving and promoting their natural habitats so that they can continue to find sufficient food, shelter and safe retreats in the future.”
Wildlife keeper
Igel-Hilfe is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of hedgehogs through rescue, education and research. At our rescue center, we take in hedgehogs in need, nurse them back to health and place them in approved homes.
With our educational programs, we help society to provide hedgehogs with a happier and safer environment.
We also support the funding of various research projects that deal with the health problems of hedgehogs
Hedgehog Relief Switzerland is always in the media spotlight. In this section you will find exciting reports, interviews and features from radio, television and the press that provide an insight into our daily work.
Discover how much passion and commitment we put into our work for injured and orphaned hedgehogs.
