1. Purpose and scope

The purpose of this Rehabilitation & Rewilding Policy is to set out how the HEADTURNED Sanctuary (the Sanctuary) approaches the assessment, rehabilitation, and potential release of animals back into suitable wild or semi-wild environments.

This policy applies to all animals considered for rehabilitation or release, and to the staff, volunteers, and partners involved in making or implementing those decisions.

2. Definitions

• Rehabilitation refers to the process of supporting an animal to recover physical health, behavioural competence, and natural behaviours in order to live safely and independently in an appropriate environment.
• Rewilding refers to the planned release or relocation of an animal to a wild or semi-wild setting, with the aim that the animal can live as independently as reasonably possible.
• Release site refers to the area where an animal is released, which may include fully wild habitats, managed reserves, or enclosed but semi-natural environments.
• Long-term sanctuary care refers to lifetime care provided by the Sanctuary or approved partners where release is not in the animal's best interests or not legally permitted.

3. Legal and ethical framework

All rehabilitation and rewilding activities must comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements, including those relating to animal welfare, wildlife protection, disease control, and land use.

Ethically, the Sanctuary aims to ensure that any release or rewilding decision:

• Is made in the best interests of the individual animal.
• Takes account of ecosystem impacts and the needs of other wild animals and communities.
• Does not expose the animal, or existing wild populations, to undue risk of conflict, disease, or suffering.

Where licences or permissions are required, they will be obtained before any release or rewilding action is carried out.

4. When rehabilitation and release may be considered

Rehabilitation and release may be considered for animals that:

• Are wild-born or have lived in a wild or semi-wild setting and have the potential to thrive independently.
• Have recoverable injuries or conditions, such that meaningful quality of life in a suitable environment is realistic.
• Can be released without causing harm to themselves, to other animals, or to people.

Animals who have spent most of their lives in close human care, or who have significant medical or behavioural needs, may be more suited to long-term sanctuary or adoption, rather than release.

5. Assessment process

Before a decision is made to release or rewild an animal, the Sanctuary will normally carry out a structured assessment, which may include:

• A veterinary assessment of health, mobility, and any ongoing medical needs.
• A behavioural assessment, focusing on natural behaviours, fear responses, and ability to cope without close human support.
• A review of the animal's history, including how long they have been in captivity and any previous attempts at release.
• Consideration of legal and ecological factors, including species status, potential risks, and requirements for licences or approvals.

The outcome of this assessment will be recorded and used to inform the final decision.

6. Criteria for release

While criteria may differ between species, an animal will generally only be considered for release if we are satisfied that:

• The animal is clinically fit for release, or any ongoing issues are compatible with survival in the wild.
• The animal demonstrates key survival behaviours, such as foraging, hunting or grazing, predator awareness, and appropriate avoidance of people where necessary.
• A suitable release site is available, with access to food, water, shelter, and appropriate habitat.
• The release will not unreasonably disturb existing populations or create significant human-wildlife conflict.

Where these criteria are not met, long-term sanctuary care or other solutions may be explored instead.

7. Selection and approval of release sites

Release sites will be chosen based on welfare, ecological, and legal considerations. In particular, the Sanctuary will aim to ensure that:

• The habitat is appropriate for the species and, where possible, for that individual's history and needs.
• The site is safe and lawful for release, including any necessary permissions from landowners, regulators, or conservation bodies.
• Risks such as roads, hunting activity, or other hazards are considered and minimised where possible.
• For some animals, soft release methods (such as gradual access to a wider area) may be more appropriate than immediate full release.

Release sites may be within Sanctuary-managed land, partner reserves, or other suitable locations agreed with relevant stakeholders.

8. Methods of release

The method of release will depend on the species, the individual animal, and the release site. Options may include:

• Soft release, where animals are gradually introduced to a new environment with ongoing support (for example, access to supplementary food or shelter while they adjust).
• Hard release, where animals are released more directly, once they have demonstrated readiness.
• Stepwise relocation, where animals move through staged environments that lead towards a final release location.

Handling and transport for release will be carried out with care to minimise stress, following our Animal Welfare & Care Standards and any relevant transport regulations.

9. Post-release monitoring and support

Where practical and appropriate, the Sanctuary may monitor animals after release to understand outcomes and inform future decisions. This may involve:

• Visual observations by staff, volunteers, or partner organisations.
• Use of non-invasive tracking methods, such as tagging or collars, where lawful and proportionate.
• Liaison with land managers, conservation bodies, or local communities about sightings or interactions.

In some soft release scenarios, supplementary feeding or access to Sanctuary resources may be provided for a limited period to support the transition.

10. When release is not appropriate

There will be situations where release or rewilding is not in the best interests of an animal or is not permitted. This may include, for example:

• Animals with irreversible medical conditions that would significantly compromise survival or welfare in the wild.
• Animals who are too habituated to people or captive settings to safely adapt to a wild environment.
• Cases where legal restrictions or disease-control measures prohibit release.

In such cases, options may include long-term sanctuary care, carefully managed semi-wild environments, or, in rare circumstances and on veterinary advice, humane euthanasia in line with our Animal Welfare & Care Standards.

11. Long-term sanctuary and alternative outcomes

Where release is not feasible or appropriate, the Sanctuary will consider other outcomes such as:

• Long-term sanctuary care at the Sanctuary or with trusted partner organisations.
• Carefully managed placement in a semi-wild or educational setting that still meets welfare needs.
• For some species, and when in the animal's best interests, adoption or fostering into a suitable home, in line with our Adoption & Fostering Policy.

Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, balancing welfare, safety, and legal duties.

12. Translocation and relocation projects

In some cases, the Sanctuary may be involved in broader conservation work that includes moving animals between sites as part of habitat restoration or species recovery projects. Any such work will:

• Be based on sound ecological evidence and, where appropriate, expert input.
• Comply with relevant licensing, permitting, and consultation requirements.
• Include appropriate planning for post-release monitoring and any management needed to support success.

13. Human–wildlife conflict and community engagement

Rewilding and release activities can affect, and be affected by, local communities. The Sanctuary will aim to:

• Consider potential human–wildlife interactions when planning releases.
• Communicate and, where appropriate, collaborate with landowners, local residents, and community groups.
• Promote education and understanding about coexisting with wildlife and the reasons behind our work.

Where concerns are raised, we will listen in good faith and seek solutions that respect both animal welfare and human wellbeing.

14. Records, data and privacy

The Sanctuary will keep appropriate records of rehabilitation and rewilding activities, including assessments, decisions, release locations, and, where available, post-release outcomes.

Personal information relating to people involved (for example landowners, volunteers, or those reporting sightings) will be handled in line with our Privacy Notice and any applicable data protection laws.

15. Partnerships and collaboration

The Sanctuary recognises that effective rehabilitation and rewilding often depends on partnership. We may work with:

• Veterinary practices and wildlife specialists.
• Other sanctuaries, rescues, and conservation organisations.
• Landowners, land managers, and local authorities.

Any collaboration will be guided by shared welfare standards, legal compliance, and clear roles and responsibilities.

16. Risks, limitations and transparency

Even with careful planning, rehabilitation and rewilding carry uncertainties and risks. The Sanctuary will not promise specific outcomes for individual animals or projects. However, we commit to:

• Making evidence-based, welfare-led decisions.
• Being honest and measured in how we communicate about successes, challenges, and setbacks.
• Learning from experience and adjusting our approach as best practice and circumstances evolve.

17. Questions, concerns and complaints

If you have questions about this policy or concerns about a specific rehabilitation or rewilding activity, you can contact us using the details on our website.

Formal complaints will be handled in line with our Complaints & Feedback Policy once published.

18. Review and updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect changes in law, conservation practice, or the development of the Sanctuary's land and programmes.

The version published on the HEADTURNED Foundation website is the version currently in force.