Allow us to introduce Houdini, the tiny red squirrel who proved that neither a difficult start nor a cat carrier could keep him from the freedom of Merseyside’s treetops. Join us in celebrating his inspirational journey and the remarkable recovery that carried him home to Formby’s woodland.
Houdini’s journey home: A second chance for orphaned red squirrels
A.J. Critch Wildlife
Escape artist by name, escape artist by nature; the story of Houdini perfectly captures the inspirational resilience we hope to achieve within The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, & North Merseyside.
A.J Critch Wildlife
Earlier this summer, Red Squirrel Officers Molly and Melissa received a call from Village Vets Formby about an orphaned kit found alone and vulnerable, thanks to a thoughtful passer-by. He was gently settled into a cat carrier for safekeeping, but even at three weeks-old, Houdini had a talent for surprising everyone. With a determined wiggle, he found his way out. Then again. And again. And again. His cheerful spirit and playful curiosity earned him the fitting name of Houdini.
In those vital early weeks, Melissa opened her home to her newest, tiniest housemate, giving him round-the-clock care to help him grow stronger. Houdini quickly decided to make his big personality a main feature of the household.
Houdini was very vocal, letting me know when I needed to feed him the kitten milk first thing in the morning, or if I turned the living room lights on when he wasn't quite ready to be woken up from his cat nap.Red Squirrel Officer
During his recovery, Molly and Melissa cared for Houdini with patience, dedication, and a shared love for our native red squirrels. Week by week, he reached important milestones: settling into a steady milk diet and mastering his balance, before nibbling on solid foods like nuts and seeds.
A.J. Critch Wildlife
Once he was ready, Houdini was moved into his new home in Freshfield Dune Heath's soft release pen - a safe space where he could practice foraging and climbing under the watchful eyes of our Red Squirrel Officers and caring volunteers.
This stage allowed him to explore, build confidence, and strengthen the skills he would need in the wild. Learning to be wild again is a crucial step for young squirrels, giving them the instincts, agility, and independence required to thrive once they are released into their natural habitat.
The big day finally arrived. With Melissa and Molly’s gentle guidance behind him, the door to the soft-release pen opened. After cautious exploration, Houdini performed his final escape act, bounding effortlessly into the trees in a flash of red.
It was a bittersweet farewell, but the happiest ending we could have wished for as Houdini returned to his true home in the wild.
A.J. Critch Wildlife
From Red Squirrel Officers and volunteers to our local vets and members of the public, the passion and commitment of everyone involved has helped give Houdini a second chance.
Houdini’s story is a powerful reminder of why efforts to protect and care for red squirrels are so important. We are thankful to have a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate team on board to protect one of the UK's most cherished species.
Each squirrel I have helped to rehabilitate have had their own personality and being able to watch them go from opening their eyes and learning how to walk, to seeing them strip pinecones and jump from tree to tree in the wild is a favourite part of my job.Red Squirrel Officer
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network's efforts are made possible by the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players for their incredible support.
A.J. Critch Wildlife
A.J. Critch Wildlife
A.J.Critch Wildlife
A.J. Critch Wildlife
A.J. Critch Wildlife
A.J. Critch Wildlife
Keep their story alive
Help red squirrels like Houdini to find their way home. By adopting a red squirrel today, you’ll give orphaned kits the specialist care they need to grow strong enough to flourish in the woodlands.
