King Charles Finally Picks a Side on the Great Squirrel Debate — and It's Just as Expected
The King, patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, has repeatedly voiced affection for the creatures, characterizing them as intelligent.
King Charles III is known for his love of animals and advocacy for a number of causes. He has also been vocal in his support of the endangered native red squirrel in the UK, supporting scientific measures and actively promoting efforts to protect the species from invasive grey squirrels. The monarch has long supported a humane approach to control the grey squirrel population. Today, while visiting the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in York, the King learned about the use of contraceptive-laced nuts to safeguard red squirrels from their grey counterparts, demonstrating his commitment to endangered local species, The Telegraph reported. According to Dr Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre at the APHA, the King expressed keen interest in the efforts of scientists to control the grey squirrel population by providing hazelnut paste mixed with contraceptives, accessed via weighted hoppers designed for heavier squirrel species. "He’s very interested in the work that we’re doing to provide an oral contraception, particularly because of his love for red squirrels," Lane revealed.
Dr Lane also highlighted that red squirrels live in all counties, and research shows that combining contraception with existing control measures reduces grey squirrel populations dramatically. She also stated that her team is involved in developing a customized trap specifically for capturing grey squirrels. Additionally, she praised the King for his long-standing advocacy for red squirrels, emphasizing that his efforts were crucial for the ongoing work in this area. She identified grey squirrels as a significant threat to biodiversity in the country, highlighting their damaging impact on trees and the broader effects on nature beyond just the red squirrel's return. "They are a massive threat to biodiversity. So, it’s not just about bringing the red squirrels back, it’s the whole of nature that the grey squirrels affect," she said.
The King, patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, has repeatedly voiced his affection for red squirrels, characterizing them as charming and intelligent creatures who offer him joy, especially in his Scottish residence. He observed their curious attitude, even citing their ability to locate nuts left in unattended pockets. Today, during the visit, the King appeared handsome in a light grey pin-striped suit, pink shirt, and darker pink tie as he inspected the squirrel breeding enclosures. However, due to the temperature, the squirrels remained in their enclosures.
The King has promoted red squirrel populations by constructing a sanctuary for them at Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland. He has also forbidden grey squirrels in the area, strictly controlling the habitat in favor of the red variety, and vigorously promoting their survival.
