Bald hedgehog who lost his prickles gains millions of fans as rescuers nurse him back to health

Bald hedgehog who lost his prickles gains millions of fans as rescuers nurse him back to health Videos of Ollie have attracted more than 13 million views, with people comparing the bald hedgehog to a potato or rolled-up sock as a infection led to his unusual appearance A poorly hedgehog left almost completely bald is being nursed back to health after losing his spikes. Ollie was taken into the care of Prickles in a Pickle, where rescuers faced the heartbreaking sight of him bleeding whenever he opened his mouth. Vets discovered he had ringworm and a bacterial infection, which had caused most of his prickles to fall out. He has since been slowly recovering at the charity in Stoke Fleming, Devon, but is still not well enough to return to the wild. Judy Thomson, 66, co-founder of Prickles in a Pickle, said: “The crust around his face was so severe that he couldn’t open his mouth to eat properly. Every time he opened his mouth, he bled. So it was very painful for him." She added: “He’s looking a lot better now. His skin is better and not as crusty. He’s eating independently, maintaining his weight. Obviously, it’s not ideal to have a wild animal in captivity for a long period of time. But as long as they’re improving, that’s okay.” While staff have been helping Ollie get back on his feet, his unusual appearance has caught the attention of more than 13 million people online. Some compared the poorly hedgehog to an avocado, while others thought he resembled a rolled-up sock. Judy said: “He’s been likened to all sorts of objects, looking like he does. Like a rolled up sock or a very large potato. I posted a video for our volunteers, our followers, and the public to see what a prickle-less hedgehog looked like. “Of course, it’s not something that you would see every single day. I mean, a hedgehog’s not something that you see every single day, sadly. They look so different that somebody might not even know what it is." The attention has also given the charity a much-needed fundraising boost, with Ollie becoming its “poster hog”. Posts that reached an “absolutely global” audience have helped bring in nearly £5,000. Judy runs the rescue from her home with her partner and fellow co-founder Alan Pook, 68, keeping it going costs between £65,000 and £70,000 a year. Seven years ago, the charity cared for around 40 hedgehogs annually. It now takes in more than 1,000 a year, with as many as 200 being looked after at once. For the charity, Ollie’s story has offered a chance to show people the challenges facing the animals and the much needed support charities need. Judy said: “It’s been absolutely phenomenal, and a fast learning curve. This gets people talking about hedgehogs and thinking about the wider picture. If you find a prickle-less hedgehog, it really does need help because it can’t protect itself. “British wildlife is just as important as any other wildlife in the world. It’s our own little ecosystem and we need to start looking after it. “Hedgehogs do not get seen out in the day unless they’re poorly. There’s only one exception, really, and that’s a mum that’s just about building her nest. Out in the day is not OK. If you’re worried about anything, phone your local rescue. Support your local rescues.”