Pea the hedgehog has been released after entering a rescue at just 18 grams.
Pea-pod, now nicknamed Pea-podge by his rescuer Chris Legg from Prickly Prickles Rescue after becoming more than 50 times his original weight, has been released after making a full recovery.
Mrs Legg said: “I felt emotional letting him go, but he is hog that lives in the wild.”
She held off the release due to the hot weather and ground being very dry – but still leaves food and water out for the other prickly creatures that enter her garden.
Since his release, Pea has returned to her garden a few times where he is free to roam.
Mrs Legg added: "Hand rearing Pea Pod has been one of the most rewarding and emotional journeys to help save a hedgehog, when releasing Pea, I had so many mixed feelings having worked so hard to get him to where he us now - and all the dangers.
"I knew when he came in that in his journey, if he made it, he would be free to roam like any other hog as Pea was never seen as a pet to me i did get very attached, but who wouldn't when I did so much for him to raise him.
"Seeing him visit at night makes me feel so happy and proud he was given the chance to survive with all my love I have for him and all the hedgehogs in my care."
Prickly Prickles is a self-funded rescue that relies on donations you can donate via PayPal to pricklyprickles@hotmail.com or contact 07747344042.
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