Farmer Saves Baby Hare with Penknife After Mother Killed in Scotland

The little hare Bruno has had a guardian angel. His pregnant mother ended up in a baler in Scotland – but thanks to a quick-witted farmer, the babies in her womb could be taken out. Now Bruno will hopefully soon get to taste freedom.

» Published: July 08 2025 at 04:27

Farmer Saves Baby Hare with Penknife After Mother Killed in Scotland
Photo: Scottish SPCA/TT

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When Robert Craig was working with silage in the fields near Scottish Dumfriesshire in the middle of May, he suddenly felt how the machine drove over something.

I went to look and unfortunately found the hare dead, says the farmer according to Sky News.

But something was moving inside the animal's belly. Craig instinctively understood that the hare was pregnant – and that he had to act quickly.

With a penknife, he delivered two small young.

I cut her open carefully and saw the young. I gave them a light push to get out all the mucus, just like you do with newborn lambs.

Soon the small hares took their first breaths. One of them only survived for a shorter time, but the other – who got the name Bruno – is described as a little miracle.

When the young arrived at a rescue center for wild animals, he weighed only 80 grams, significantly less than what hares usually weigh at birth. Since then, he has grown properly, according to Sky News.

The caregivers are amazed that Bruno survived such a dramatic birth – and that he has recovered so quickly.

He is a true little fighter, says Shauni Stoddart at the center.

The hope is that Bruno will be able to be released into the wild soon.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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