The hedgehog with no PRICKLES: Baby with no spines has to have regular massages to keep him warm
- Hedgehogs' wrinkly bodies normally have around 500 spikes
- But Nelson is bald and must be kept inside and massaged every day
- He is being looked after by volunteers at Foxy Lodge Wildlife Rescue
As the nights turn darker and the winter chill sets in, spare a thought for this bald hedgehog Nelson.
Hedgehogs' wrinkly bodies normally have around 500 spikes, which protect them from predators and keep them warm.
But Nelson, named after the war hero, is completely bald and must be kept inside and massaged every day by volunteers at Foxy Lodge Wildlife Rescue.
It is believed the problem is a genetic disorder and he is being treated with antiseptic scrubs and baby oil massages.
Nelson is completely bald and is being looked after at Foxy Lodge Rescue Centre in Norfolk
Tonia Gardner holds up Nelson, who will not be released into the wild unless his spikes grow
Nelson is being kept at the rescue centre in Norfolk run by Tonia and John Garner.
It is hoped he will eventually grow his spines back, but if he does not the shelter will continue to take care of him.
He cannot be released into the wild as the only way he can protect himself is with his spikes.
They also provide a type of hollow hair which give the animals extra warmth.
Share this article
This is not the first time a bald hedgehog has turned up at the centre.
In 2009 a hedgehog, called Baldrick, with a similar condition was taken to Foxy Lodge but died soon after.
They also took in bald hedgehog 'Betty' in 2010, who arrived at the centre weighing only 124 grams but is now a healthy 700 pounds.
It is hoped Nelson will eventually grow his spines back, but if he does not the shelter will continue to take care of him
Treatment for the bald hedgehog includes antiseptic scrubs and baby oil massages
The couple set up the rescue centre eight years ago with donations from their family and friends.
Since then they have rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of animals and birds each year.
They expect the figure for 2016 alone to exceed 1,000.
On Tuesday they were recognised for their charitable work when they were presented with a special award at the House of Lords.
Mrs Garner, 52, said: 'Without the joint passion we share to help animals, we wouldn't be able to continue this work.
'It gets tough sometimes but what makes it all worth the effort is when you see a recovered animal leave and regain its freedom.'
Mr Garner, 57, added: 'What we are doing is just supporting all these animals which would not otherwise have a second chance at a life.'
Nelson is completely bald and must be kept inside and massaged every day
Most watched News videos
- Pro-Palestine flags at University of Michigan graduation ceremony
- Moment buffalo is encircled by pride of lions and mauled to death
- Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's Coronation poem 'An Unexpected Guest'
- Ship Ahoy! Danish royals embark on a yacht tour to Sweden and Norway
- Police arrest man in Preston on suspicion of aiding boat crossings
- Benjamin Netanyahu rejects ceasefire that would 'leave Hamas in power'
- Moment pro-Palestine activists stage Gaza protest outside Auschwitz
- Rescue team smash through roof to save baby in flooded Brazil
- Emmanuel Macron hosts Xi Jinping for state dinner at Elysee palace
- 'I am deeply concerned': PM Rishi Sunak on the situation in Rafah
- Huge street brawl explodes in the street between groups of men
- Deliveroo customer calls for jail after rider bit off his thumb
