Grey Hare Named Pelēcis Garausis Finds a New Home at Līgatne Nature Trails

A grey hare nicknamed Pelēcis Garausis (roughly "Grey Longears") has settled permanently at the Līgatne Nature Trails in Gauja National Park, Latvia. The trails are run by the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP). The news was shared by Baiba Ralle, senior communication specialist at the agency's Communication and Nature Education Department. The hare cannot return to the wild, so the trails, where visitors can watch wildlife, are now his home.

How the hare ended up at the trails

Pelēcis was found helpless in April, when he was still a very young leveret. He was taken to the wildlife assistance centre of the society "Ežu hospitālis" (Hedgehog Hospital). Veterinarian Ingvilda Aumeistere cared for him until he was four months old.

The hare grew up healthy and strong. However, because of the long period of human care and lost wild survival skills, he would no longer be able to survive in nature on his own. For that reason, the Līgatne Nature Trails became his permanent home.

Life in the new home

After his time at the care centre, the hare has settled in and occasionally shows himself to the most attentive and patient visitors. He lives alongside roe deer and a white hare named Rodžers. He got his name because of his especially expressive, long ears, although long ears are typical of his species in general.

Pelēcis is not the only newcomer this autumn. A female fox named Lakija, who was injured in a road accident in summer and recovered at "Ežu hospitālis", also recently found a home at the trails.

About the nature trails

The Līgatne Nature Trails were established in 1975 in an area rich in wooded ravines. Their purpose is to introduce visitors to the wild animal species living in Latvia, biodiversity and the importance of protection. Educational events are held there regularly, offering a chance to learn about local fauna, animal behaviour and their role in the ecosystem.