A race against time to treat a hedgehog suspected of suffering from hypothermia and water inhalation took a miraculous turn when wildlife rescuer Hermein Grobler discovered three tiny, miraculous reasons why the prickly creature fought so hard to stay afloat.
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 January 2026) – What began as a tense rush to save an unfortunate little soul that had fallen into a swimming pool last week, took a miraculous turn when a wet and weary rescued hedgehog revealed she hadn’t been paddling for just her own life, but for three tiny hedgehoglets too!
South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) member, Hermien Grobler, had been called out to collect the Southern African hedgehog. It wasn’t clear how long she’d been swimming, floating, or involuntarily practising underwater breathing techniques, but by the time she was rescued, the outlook was worrisome.
Hermien rushed the creature home and kept a close eye.
“Apart from extreme exhaustion, this prickly marvel showed no obvious signs of ill health. She was offered a carefully curated buffet, given a safe, comfortable enclosure, and allowed to rest while being closely monitored,” SAWRC shares.
Though the first day passed without much to report, Hermien hadn’t anticipated the surprise that awaited her the next morning.
“During routine cleaning on day two, Hermien glanced into the enclosure and instantly froze. There was blood. There was a motionless hedgehog.”
But not from injury. The resilient prickly survivor had just given birth to three astonishingly perfect hedgehoglets!
“While everyone else was busy worrying about drowning, hypothermia, and exhaustion, this hedgehog had been quietly carrying a full pregnancy and decided that now .. right here, right now .. was the perfect time to give birth.”
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SAWRC confirmed that the little family has gone from strength to strength over the past week.
“Mom is eating like a creature responsible for three additional mouths, and the once wrinkled babies are steadily plumping up, growing stronger by the day.”
For the SAWRC team, this was one of those rescues that perfectly captures how wildlife rehabilitation is a humbling yet remarkable mix of emotions, stress, panic, and the ongoing reminder that nature does not read manuals, respect humans’ expectations, or give warning.
We’re so glad this little prickly family found help just in time. Should you wish to help support these little lives, you can make a donation via PayPal or the banking details below:
- South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Bank: FNB
- Account Number: 6275 926 5434
- Branch Code: 250 655
- Business Account
- SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ
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