The Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre El Valle at the Región de Murcia admitted and treated a total of 4,393 animals in 2025, 1,287 more than the previous year. This represents an increase of 41 per cent. The figures were presented on 11 September 2026 by Environment Minister Juan María Vázquez during a visit to the centre. According to the figures, more than 87 per cent of admissions were birds; swifts were especially common, particularly Common swift and Pallid swift, with 2,323 specimens between them.
Among reptiles, the Spanish pond turtle was the most frequently recorded species, with 292 admissions. The European hedgehog was the most common mammal, with 66 cases. According to the regional government, around 80 per cent of the animals were reported by members of the public. Of the animals treated in 2025, 1,356 were released back into the wild. The centre has twelve staff working in animal care, veterinary treatment and documentation.
Vázquez announced that the region would commission plans for a modernisation of the centre. An investment of around 700,000 euros is planned to bring capacity into line with increased demand. Proposals under consideration include a dedicated hospitalisation area for sea turtles, better conditions for treatment and improved facilities for necropsies. The minister justified the measures by citing the sharp rise in cases and the need to ensure efficient care for protected species.
The Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre El Valle has been part of the conservation infrastructure of the Región de Murciasince the 1980s. According to the regional administration, documented admissions have totalled more than 34,000 since 2009. Experts attribute the recent increase primarily to greater willingness among the public to report cases, as well as more intensive checks and rescue operations by environmental officers. No forecasts were made about future trends.
The figures and plans cited come from statements by the regional government, communicated during Juan María Vázquez’s visit, and were reported by Europa Press . In addition, the region’s official information page for the Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre El Valle sets out the centre’s mission and responsibilities. Assessments of causes and interests are presented separately from the substantiated information.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).