Our Journey at Russell's Rescue: Helping Save Corvids and Educating the Community
- Helen Motteram
- Nov 1, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Welcome to our new website! We are Russell's Rescue, a dedicated corvid rescue and sanctuary for disabled birds located in Cheltenham.
On June the 6th 2016, a little black bird came into our lives and changed it forever...
Russell Crow, was the founder of Russell's Rescue alongside us, His Humans: Helen and Tristan Motteram. Found alone and scared in Cheltenham town, Helen scooped him up and took him back to hers. It soon became apparent that Russell was disabled, he had inverted feet and despite growing some amazing feathers could never fly. Soon one became three as word got around about our rescue efforts, and Russell's Rescue was born!
How we started
We started with a large open cage inside and then saved up to build Russell his own aviary! Russell was very much an inside bird, so he had the choice of free roam in our room (we ditched the cage and drilled perches on the wall!) or go out in the aviary.
Soon we were contacted by other Rehabbers, and helped rehabilitate George and Sheryl, both rooks like Russell. They were successfully released, leaving Russell alone again. Whilst he loved his human, rooks are social birds and he needed his own flock family.
So along came Pip! then Pershore, then Morse. All had their unique characters, only Pershore remains, but still sings Russell's song, a reminder he is always here.
All of these birds thrived here at Russell's Rescue, but Pip didn't have things come easy for her. She came to us with no tail and was quite a sensitive bird. We were referred her as she needed a more quiet home. In the photo below we nearly lost Pip on Fireworks night. She became scared and went into the aviary mesh.
In the end Pip really found her place here, even growing a tail! But sadly she passed just a week after Russell passed, we think from a broken heart. We can still hear the noises of PIP PIP PIP in her spirit.
The Heart of Russell's Rescue
Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate corvids, giving them a chance at a better life. Alongside our rescue efforts, we are deeply committed to educating the public and training other rehabilitators.
At Russell's Rescue, we firmly believe that every bird deserves a second chance. Corvids, which include crows, ravens, jackdaws and magpies, are often misunderstood and overlooked. Our sanctuary serves as a safe haven for these intelligent and social birds, many of whom come to us with disabilities or injuries that make it hard for them to survive in the wild.
Since our founding, we have rescued and released hundreds of corvids, each with their unique story of struggle and resilience. From Tweedy and Gifford, found near Gifford's Circus, to a jackdaw called Rhuddlan we drove 5 hours to rescue. We have a release site in our garden, which is a soft release providing an aviary they can come and go from until they are ready. We find most quickly join the neighbouring birds, who are happy to welcome them in.
The Importance of Corvid Rescue and Release
These birds are remarkably intelligent; studies show that crows can solve complex puzzles with success rates exceeding 90%. By rescuing and rehabilitating these birds, we are giving them a chance at life. Our work emphasises the crucial need for protecting these remarkable creatures and raising awareness about their significance in nature.
Educational Initiatives
Education and training is one of our important missions at Russell's Rescue. We believe that knowledge is key to a deeper understanding and appreciation for corvids. Our education and awareness through talks, blogs and sharing our stories aim to inform the public about the challenges these birds face, their intelligence and how they can help.
We offer training sessions for other rehabilitators, sharing our expertise and best practices in corvid care. Our 1-2-1 sessions and public talks cover various topics such as proper feeding techniques, enrichment, work-life and rescue balance and effective rehabilitation methods. By equipping others with this knowledge, we aim to create a compassionate network dedicated to corvid conservation.
Engaging the Community
Community involvement is essential to our success. We regularly do public speaking to connect with the public and share our passion for corvids.
Our educational posts on our website and social media platforms highlight fascinating corvid behaviours, aiming to dispel common myths. We encourage our followers to share their experiences and stories, creating a vibrant community of corvid enthusiasts. In the last year alone, we have engaged with thousands of people via our talks and posts, indicating growing interest in corvid rescue and rehabilitation.
Success Stories
Every bird we rescue has its own story, and many of them have inspiring journeys of recovery. One such success story is that of a jackdaw called Mickey Bah, he came to us recovering from a broken wing and leg. After months of rehabilitation that included physical therapy and vet support, Mickey was released and we are thrilled to report that he comes back to our sanctuary garden with his family.
These success stories motivate us to continue our mission and remind us of the impact we can have on the lives of these birds. Each successful rehabilitation reinforces our belief in the importance of our work and the ongoing need for community support.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can support Russell's Rescue and our mission to save corvids. Here are a few suggestions:
Donate: Your contribution helps us provide medical care, food, and shelter for our birds. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a significant difference.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends and family. The more people who know about corvids and the challenges they face, the greater impact we can have.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about corvids and their vital role in the wild. Understanding these birds can help dispel myths and promote their conservation.
Join us on our journey!
At Russell's Rescue, we are passionate about saving corvids and educating the community. Our journey began in 2016, and since then, we have made great strides in rescuing and rehabilitating these incredible birds. Through our educational initiatives and community engagement efforts, we strive to foster a greater appreciation for corvids and their essential role in the wild.
We invite you to explore our new website, learn more about our work, and consider how you can get involved. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of corvids and ensure a brighter future for these wonderful creatures.
If you'd like to make a donation to our rescue, please visit our donation links here:
Thank you for your support,
Helen, Tristan and Russell
