SECRET World Wildlife Rescue has taken in a tiny badger cub after a dog picked it up and dropped it on its owner’s kitchen floor.

The cub, just days old and weighing a mere 80g, was presumed dead but later revived by the dog’s owner. ‘Little Star’ was swiftly transported to Secret World for immediate care as the centre has experience in dealing with new-born cubs.

Charity founder Pauline Kidner said: “A lady was washing up when her Jack Russell came bounding into her kitchen with something pink in his mouth.

“The cub was cold and wet and was dropped onto the kitchen floor with the dog owner having no idea where this little orphan lived.

“The lady initially thought it was dead but then the warmth from her hand stirred the cub.

“Badger cubs would not usually venture above ground until they are at least 10-12 weeks old so this tiny badger is very lucky to survive.

“Despite being in an incubator, Little Star is so small and without her mum an additional hot water bottle is needed to snuggle up to.”

Secret World will open its doors to the public for its first open days during the Easter weekend, which is themed as a ‘Badger Bonanza’.

This weekend is an opportunity to find out more about badgers and the work carried out at Secret World Wildlife Rescue visit www.secretworld.org