South Essex Wildlife Hospital
Analysis
South Essex Wildlife Hospital is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Grays. It was registered in August 2002, 24 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, animals and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under animals. It says it provides human resources, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides services.
In the financial year ending December 2025, South Essex Wildlife Hospital reported income of £848k and spending of £443k, leaving 48% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £263k to £848k (+223%), an average of +34% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2025, when income rose by 80%. Over the whole period it spent 72% of the income it received.
Among 2,161 England and Wales charities whose main cause is animals and that reported income, South Essex Wildlife Hospital sits at the 91st percentile: it is larger than about 91% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 93rd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital (£848k), Animal Equality (£849k) and Hull Animal Welfare Trust (£837k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 80%, trading 18% and investments 1.0%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £365k. Charitable activities took 91% of spending and raising funds 9.3%. Reserves of £540k would cover about 15 months of spending at that rate. It employed 11 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 37%
- Legacies 43%
- Charitable activities 0.6%
- Trading 18%
- Investments 1.0%
In the charity's own words
The charity provides rescue, veterinary care and rehabilitation to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. it often provides refuge and treatment to abandoned and ill treated domestic, farm and exotic animals. The charity also provides advise and training to the community and veterinary staff and work placements to students.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital | Chichester | £848k |
| Animal Equality | London | £849k |
| Hull Animal Welfare Trust | Hull | £837k |
| Veg Trust Incorporating the Matthew Eyton Animal Welfare Trust | Leicestershire | £850k |