Hare Pelēcis Garausis Finds Permanent Home at Līgatne Nature Trails

A new resident has settled permanently at the Līgatne Nature Trails in Gauja National Park, which are managed by Latvia's Nature Conservation Agency (DAP). He is a grey hare named Pelēcis Garausis, who was previously cared for at the wildlife rescue centre of the society “Ežu hospitālis” (Hedgehog Hospital). He could no longer survive on his own in the wild, so the trails have become his permanent home.

How the hare ended up on the trails

Pelēcis was found helpless in April, when he was still a tiny leveret, and was taken to “Ežu hospitālis”. Veterinarian Ingvilda Aumeistere looked after him until he was four months old. Thanks to professional care, he grew up healthy and strong. However, because of the long period in human care and lost wild skills, he would no longer be able to survive independently in nature.

He got his name, which roughly means Grey Longear, from his especially long and expressive ears. After moving to the nature trails, he quickly got used to the new territory and skilfully found the feeding station. The hare lives together with roe deer and a white hare named Rodžers, and has developed particularly warm relations with the female roe deer. From time to time he shows himself to the most attentive and patient visitors.

Fox Lakija also arrives

Pelēcis is not the only newcomer this autumn. A female fox named Lakija also recently found a home on the trails. She was hit in a road accident in summer and recovered at “Ežu hospitālis”. After a serious head injury and lengthy treatment, the fox made a full recovery. Her name means “the lucky one” in English.

Advice for visitors

Specialists at the Līgatne Nature Trails remind visitors that quiet and patience are needed to see and observe the residents. The more quietly and attentively people move along the trails, the better the chance of seeing Pelēcis Garausis, Lakija and the other animals going about their daily lives.