Mehmet Onal, a local takeaway owner refused to let an injured squirrel be put down after it was found with leg injuries in the Hailsham Churchyard recently, so he become the animals dependent.
Over the last six weeks, Mehmet, who owns Kemer Kabab and the Hailsham Pizza Co, has nursed the grey squirrel back to health after it’s believed he fell from his drey, broke his leg and was struggling to move.
Mehmet told Hailsham News: “I was told he could not be taken in by a res- cue organisation, so I felt I had to take care of the squirrel myself and bring him back to health.”
The squirrel was soon named Alvin, and Mehmet regularly gave him aqua therapy which has resulted in Alvin getting movement back in his leg and becoming a local superstar in the process. Due to a large social media following, Mehmet and Alvin have gathered a fan base after many photos and videos were posted showing Alvin’s progress.
Alvin has been receiving daily exercise sessions and receives a massive range of nuts and goodies to feast on.
Experts say if an injured squirrel is found, a local rescue centre must be contacted before you attempt to rescue it yourself.
Photos: Paul Gibson
