6 Years of Magpies and One Very Good Wildlife Rescue
Written by Stephanie Austin, Owner & Lead Trainer, Prima Cura Training Last reviewed: November 2026 | Next review: November 2027
For over 6 years I’ve been feeding the magpies in our little courtyard garden. They line up along the ledge like a queue outside a bakery, they know exactly when service starts, and they’re not shy about letting me know if I’m late.
This is a post about what happened when one of them was injured, and about the people who looked after him.
What Should You Do If You Find an Injured Wild Bird?
Contact a wildlife rescue, a vet or the RSPCA for advice before you try to handle the animal yourself. Wild animals are frightened and unpredictable when they are hurt, and well-meaning handling can put both of you at risk.
That’s what I did when one of my magpies was injured. I took him to Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue, the nearest wildlife rescue to me, and left it to the experts.
What Happened at Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue?
The team there were amazing.
The outcome wasn’t a good one. His injury couldn’t be resolved, and the kindest option left was to euthanise him. They made him comfortable and gave him a pain free death, with all the dignity he deserved.
Wildlife rescues don’t only do the release day photos. Sometimes the job is a good death, and the people who do it with kindness deserve just as much thanks.
Why Is Prima Cura Now a Founding Wildlife Partner?
Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue is a registered charity (no. 509410) caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife from Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas. After the care they gave my magpie, I wanted to support their work, so Prima Cura has joined as a Founding Wildlife Partner, one of their first twenty local business partners. They sent us a Certificate of Partnership, and I’m chuffed to share it.
I spend a lot of my working life teaching people what to do in the first few minutes of an emergency, before professional help arrives. Wildlife isn’t so different. Know what you can safely do, get the right people involved quickly, and let them take over.
How Can Local Businesses and Neighbours Support Wildlife Rescue?
Start by finding your nearest rescue and asking what they need. Donations, volunteering and business partnerships all help, and Kirklees are inviting more local businesses to join. If you run one, have a look at their partners page.
And if your team is due first aid training, or you’d like to talk through your options, get in touch with Prima Cura Training on 0333 999 8783 or at info@primacuratraining.co.uk. The magpies, for the record, are still turning up expecting service.
This article reflects personal experiences and opinions. It is shared for general interest and does not constitute professional or veterinary advice. If you find an injured wild animal, contact a wildlife rescue, a vet or the RSPCA for guidance.
