The captive-bred mice will help replenish wild population.

Veterinary surgeons at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have provided health checks for rare hazel dormice in preparation for their release into the wild.

The mice, which will be released at a secret woodland location, are part of a long-term project involving the ZSL to boost the wild population of the endangered species.

Each of the mice underwent a 10-minute health check, during which they were placed under a general anaesthetic. The veterinary surgeons checked their heart and lungs with a stethoscope and visually examined their eyes, ears, nose, teeth and fur.

The mice were also microchipped to make it easier to identify them when they are monitored after release.

As well as ensuring that the mice are healthy enough to survive in the wild, the health checks also help to protect other wildlife by making sure that the mice don’t bring diseases into their new habitats.

In the past 30 years, the project has released more than 1,000 dormice in 25 different sites across the UK.

Dr Elysé Summerfield-Smith, health-check co-ordinator and wildlife veterinarian for ZSL’s Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance Team (DRAHS), said:  “The team’s careful planning, health checks and long-term post-release health surveillance aren’t just important for protecting the dormice, but it will also protect the health of the species that they will be living alongside.

“Any new disease that is accidentally brought into a habitat can be disastrous for local wildlife, it’s vital we do everything we can to guard against it.”

Maya Folkes, a ZSL DRAHS pathology and field technician, added: “During their eight week stay with us, our tiny guests are getting the specialist attention needed to ensure they’re in top shape for their big day – from weekly check-ups with our vets to munching on salads of blueberries, carrots, and mealworms carefully designed by the zoo’s expert nutritionist.

“It’s exciting to know that in a few weeks’ time they’ll be starting their new lives, joining a long line of dormice now flourishing across the country as we work to restore this precious native species.”

Image (C) ZSL