1. Purpose and scope
This Policy applies to decisions about intervention in relation to free-living wild animals on land managed by the HEADTURNED Foundation, and, where relevant, in nearby areas where we are asked for help or involved in joint work with partners.
It covers situations such as injured or apparently orphaned wildlife, population imbalances, human–wildlife conflict, and wider landscape management choices that may affect individual animals and species over time.
2. Core principles of non-interference
Our starting point is that wild animals should be allowed to live natural lives in functioning ecosystems, with minimal disturbance. Intervening in every difficulty risks disrupting natural behaviours, food webs, and evolutionary processes.
We therefore adopt a presumption of non-interference unless there are clear reasons to step in, such as:
- preventable suffering caused directly by human activity; or
- serious risk to wider ecosystem health that cannot be managed in another way.
3. When we may intervene
Decisions to intervene are taken on a case-by-case basis, informed by welfare, ecology, and law. Examples of situations where intervention may be appropriate include:
- Human-caused injury – for example, animals harmed by vehicles, fencing, litter, traps, or other man-made hazards where timely rescue and treatment is realistic.
- Pollution or contamination events – such as oil, chemical, or agricultural spills where wildlife is acutely affected and emergency response is needed.
- Illegal persecution or cruelty – working with authorities to support rescue, evidence gathering, and, where appropriate, rehabilitation.
- Safely completing a rehabilitation journey – for example, releasing animals that have been treated at the HEADTURNED Sanctuary or by trusted partners into suitable habitats on Foundation land.
Where an incident involves protected species or regulated activities, we follow licensing and guidance from the relevant statutory bodies.
4. When we do not intervene
There are many situations where stepping back is the most ethical and ecologically responsible course of action. Examples include:
- Natural predation, competition, or territorial disputes between wild animals.
- Apparently “orphaned” young where parents may be nearby or returning, unless expert assessment confirms abandonment and intervention is lawful.
- Natural disease processes that are part of ecosystem dynamics, unless linked to human pollution or intervention and there is a clear, lawful remedial role for the Foundation.
In these cases, staff and volunteers are expected to respect non-interference decisions, even where individual outcomes are emotionally difficult.
5. Welfare, legality & humane practice
Any intervention must comply with wildlife, animal welfare, and conservation law. Where capture, handling, or treatment is undertaken, it should only be carried out by people with appropriate competence, authority, and equipment.
If euthanasia is judged to be the most humane option for a severely injured wild animal, it will be performed (or arranged) by a suitably qualified veterinary professional following accepted welfare standards and legal requirements.
6. Working with partners and authorities
The Foundation does not operate in isolation. We coordinate, where appropriate, with licensed wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, statutory agencies, and other conservation bodies.
Where incidents raise enforcement or regulatory issues, we support the relevant authorities by providing information, evidence, or practical assistance within our capabilities and legal powers.
7. Public reports and expectations
Members of the public may contact the Foundation about injured or distressed wildlife on or near our land. While we will respond with compassion and signposting, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to attend or intervene in every case.
Where appropriate, we may direct people to local wildlife rescue services, veterinary practices, or statutory agencies. Guidance may also explain why non-interference is the right decision in many circumstances.
8. Recording, learning & review
Significant intervention decisions and major incidents are recorded so that we can learn from them and refine our approach over time. Patterns of incidents may inform habitat design, visitor management, or wider conservation work.
This Policy will be reviewed periodically, and when there are material changes in law, best practice, or the scale of our conservation operations. Updated versions will be published on this page.
Concerns or complaints about how a particular situation has been handled can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, under the Foundation's Complaints & Feedback Policy.