A HEDGEHOG the size of a football has made himself at home in Cricklade.
One-year-old Jabba, named due to his resemblance to the Star Wars character, weighs almost 4lbs, three times the size of a normal hedgehog.
Originally from around the Chippenham area, Jabba was taken in, along with nine other hedgehogs, by a previous owner who last week gave them away to the Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre.
The hedgehogs were taken in because they had trouble hibernating in winter.
Because of his size, Jabba cannot curl up tightly in a ball to defend himself against predators. His weight also puts stress on his limbs.
Jabba is now undergoing a strict diet and exercise regime. He will be given less protein and meal worms to eat, and he will be encouraged to walk from his enclosure to get his food.
He will also be encouraged to walk short distances, though staff are still wary of over-exercising the obese hedgehog.
Barry Branigan, general manager of Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre, said that his size may be because of his genetics and of being overfed with high amounts of protein.
The rescue team are hoping Jabba’s weight will fall to 650g so he can be released in the wild in spring.
Jabba is also nicknamed the Big One, which is “a bit more respectful”, according to Mr Branigan.
To donate to the Oak and Furrows and help the rescue centre look after animals like Jabba, go to www.oandf.co.uk or visit their Just Giving page.
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