Rescuing Baby Stoats Ready For Life in the Wild | Rescued & Returned to the Wild | Robert E Fuller

This film follows the journey of three baby stoats as they move from my care to a life in the wild.
You can watch more on the stoat kits' rehabilitation journey in this series: • Weasels & Stoats | Res... and find more rescue films here: • Rescued & Returned to ...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Stoats
These mammals are part of the weasel family and can be found in every continent except Antarctica. In the US stoats are known as short-tailed weasels.
Stoats in the wild
I’ve long been fascinated by stoats and have devoted the last 10 years to documenting their behaviour. With hidden cameras, I was the first to film wild stoats inside the nest capturing unique moments of courtship.
Stoat babies dropped
Stoats have litters of between six and 12 kits. As they grow, females move them between sites. Unfortunately kits can get lost in the move.
Rescue story
When a four week old young female is handed to me her eyes are only just opening and she is small for her age. She is warm, which is a good sign, but hungry.
First meal
Baby stoats can eat solid food at only 2 weeks old and this one quickly demolishes all but the bone of a chicken wing. When I pinch her skin, it doesn’t fold back into place - a sign she’s dehydrated. I carefully feed her puppy milk formula then weigh her (she’s 51g) and let her sleep.
Caring for baby stoat
This tiny stoat needs feeding 10 times a day, so I take her everywhere with me - it gets tricky when I'm syringe feeding in my hide and a kingfisher I want to film arrives!
Growing fast
By 5 weeks she has gained 38g. Since she’s putting on weight so fast, I name her Rocket.
A new home
A wild stoat would be exploring just beyond the nest at this age, so I move her to a bigger enclosure where she will have more space and room to exercise. Her leg seems stiff so I think she needs it.
A stoat friend
Two weeks later another rescued stoat is handed in. I get a separate enclosure ready, right next to Rocket where they can get to know each other. Stoat kits belong in big litters and so it's really important for them to be with other youngsters.
A dynamic duo
The following day I put them in with each other. After a lot of squeaking they are soon chasing one another playfully. I remain on hand in case it doesn’t work.
Third stoat
Days before they’re due to move, another stoat is handed in. This one is wild and frightened but I am confident it will be comfortable with other stoats and sure enough the three settle down quickly.
Stoats go outside
It’s time to get this trio outside. I have an outdoor enclosure designed especially for release, but, it’s been a year since I’ve had stoats in there so I need to top up the pond and put some fresh straw in for them. The enclosure is rigged with cameras, so I can capture footage of them exploring.
Soft release
This enclosure has a secret hatch leading to an underground chamber I built for a family of rescued badgers a few years ago. The badgers have since moved on, so it’s the perfect place for the stoats to explore. And at the end of a network of tunnels, there's a doorway opening to the great outdoors.
Into the wild
After a week, and a total of three months in my care, the stoat kits are ready for life in the wild. I open the grills and one by one they make their way into my garden. Over the following few weeks I spot them exploring, but they continue to sleep at the enclosure.
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
Twitter: / robertefuller
Instagram: / robertefuller
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [e-mail]
#robertefuller #weasel #stoats #rescuedandreturned #wildliferehabilitation

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more weasel & stoat rescue films: bit.ly/44F8h1j See more rescue films: bit.ly/3Q2fggo Support my work with wildlife: www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/ Shop my weasel & stoat artwork: www.robertefuller.com/product-tag/stoats-weasels/ Follow me: Facebook - bit.ly/43LiisV | Twitter - bit.ly/43yuiO9 | Instagram - bit.ly/3XV7rLA | TikTok - bit.ly/3XUnEAJ

[@fredericapanon207]

Dear @RobertEFuller, it was a delight to re-watch this stoats video. Are you taking care of new stoat babies this year? Although late February may be too early to ask...

[@tyr5119]

this man has a heart of gold

[@christinatweet6580]

SO true....thank goodness for his efforts... 😊💚

[@justinesorel6325]

I agree. Such an awesome, caring man. Love this channel : )

[@mariethiers6915]

YES! How very true that is!! 🙏❤🌞

[@user-hy9gg3ql7t]

Сердце его не золотое - он Человек. И в полном смысле слова❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@missleader5262]

This was like a children's bedtime story, complete with illustrations! Simply beautiful, thank you❤️

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you enjoyed it

[@jamiegrieve5875]

Wasn't it

[@valerielambert7922]

My heart was warmed by seeing this little family of three lost kits reaching independence due to the care Robert has given them.

[@cerianne2783]

❤❤ Robert, thank you for all you do for the beautiful wildlife, what a man ❤

[@theearnikagarwal9812]

this man is so compassionate and going beyond his limits to help the animals

[@freedomfighter4990]

How adorable stoats are! Thank you so much for putting in the time & effort to rescue such cute little critters & film them for us!

[@davidrenton]

we really need a animated movie about Robert and his merry band of Stoats, Owl's and Badgers going on adventures , solving crime and getting up to hijinks.

[@elaineglendinning9297]

He has a wonderful life,watching stoats and owls,hand feeding badgers and he is a talented artist. His life is richer than any billionaire.

[@SuperZytoon]

I admire the work that you do. You may be saving an entire species without ever knowing it. I would be out and about as you do every day.

[@noodles169]

This is incredible footage. To see stoats like this is a privilege. Can't imagine how wonderful it must be for you, to have such a bond with them

[@marjoriegarner5369]

What patience and capacity for caring this lovely man has. It is so beautiful to see. I'm humbled by this kind of dedicated love. A beautiful video. Thanks for this from an 80 year old great grandmother in Montana.

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so kind

[@lizzydog5728]

Your impact on wildlife is very admirable! Thank you for all the shared experiences. They are very relaxing!

[@ButWhyWasTaken]

0:05 his has to be the cutest thing in all existence.

[@henningratjen4364]

Thanks for showing us the whole process and how you get them used to the wild again. I love how much work went into planning and building the different enclosures.

[@tronbunny]

Ohhh, these are the three we watched grow last year! Thank you Robert for your special care and sharing it with us. 💕💕

[@suzannehall5143]

They are so cute. Thank you for taking care of them when they needed it.

[@crystalgaskins8270]

Those little stoats were so cute. What a beautiful thing to watch Robert do… get them healthy and then bring them together. Simply wonderful!! 0:56

[@nancyscogin7549]

Omg! Thank you for taking care of these babies. I love stoats.

[@meriljana7993]

I dont know how he got into this job with this beautiful estate, but this man was born to do this and does so with beautiful dedication

[@AE-se9bl]

Wonderful to watch! Thanks for all you do for them and other animals! ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanleezer182]

I absolutely loved these little stoats. You did a great job with them. Built a wonderful little habitat for them. They were so lucky to have you there to care for them at every stage of development.❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊. Thank you Robert!

[@shellyhull698]

That was an amazing video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jonathanfletcher9533]

So adorable, I would struggle not to get hopelessly attached! It is just wonderful to know there are people like Robert doing such valuable work for our dwindling wildlife population.

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

I wasn’t familiar with stoats. What delightful little creatures they are. They’re chattering to one another was so sweet. Beautifully filmed as always ❤

[@graceantonio3573]

AH MR. FULLER YOU ARE A MASTER! LIKE A... SPECIAL DR. DOOLITTLE! LOL I ENJOYED THE ADORABLE STOATS AH! GOD BLESS YOU SIR! YOU ARE A GREAT HUMAN BEING. THANK YOU.

[@sapphirejade5029]

My mom and I got to see this and the little kits were so adorable. So happy they grew up so well under your care. May they live such wondrous lives. It's sad they don't live long, but the time and effort you did to help them was worth it. Imma bet the future generations will thank you for saving their lives. You're an amazing person, saving and helping so many animals thrive.🫂🥹

[@davehoward22]

Probably the cutest,ruthlessly efficient carnivores.

[@mikeveis6393]

Aww. They're so, so cute!

[@forcemarine]

These lil guys are so cute its ridiculous

[@blagmate5516]

Mr. Fuller is a blessing and an inspiration.

[@londoncalling7895]

These squeakers are squiggly cute

[@user-qg6yq7gv8p]

I would love to have a stoat they are adorable

[@awesomeblossom2417]

Your soul is truly of a higher nature.

[@DonPandemoniac]

This was so heartwarming, the effort you put into giving those little rascals the best chance for a good life is astonishing.

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

You introduced me to stotes . This was great fun .love the little critters. And all your garden hiding places for them. Thank you for sharing these lovely real story's . And wonderful paintings . Loved the mother days hare.

[@klm_shadow]

I wouldn’t want to let them go too far. They are adorable.

[@CambriaPelletier6090]

This video was absolutely amazing & I can't stop smiling from a full heart! Thank you, Robert for your incredible rehabilitation efforts to help these tiny fur babies!

[@jocelynaccetta6853]

Thank you for what you are doing, helping the little ones rehabilitate and go back to the wild ❤

[@Preciousmiller1]

Love watching all your show. 🤗🤍🙃☺️👍

[@RoninCatholic]

Stoats are one of my favorite animals of all time.

[@MineezFR]

I love mustelids ! They are very smart animals and sooo cute. Great video, as always !

[@laurenwilson2145]

Robert you are amazing, Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@Scutshakes]

you do such a fantastic job supporting the local ecosystem and helping these animals. thank you for all you do. i cried when those baby stoats met each other for the first time

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for your kind words

[@YsabetJustYsabet]

Aww, hello little stoat; I once had a deaf ferret named Rocket. May her life be long with her adopted kin, full of prey, warm nests, mates, kits and wonderful scents!

[@Fadedecho1]

Never really paid to much attention to the stoat. Looking like weasels. Some people just have that gift / heart of gold and Robert you definitely have that heart. 💛

[@RobertEFuller]

Oh thanks 😊 the stoat here in the UK is also known as a short tailed weasel in the US 👍

[@indyreno2933]

Because, stoats are also called common weasels or short-tailed weasels, stoats are officially true weasels.

[@Fadedecho1]

@@indyreno2933 tysm. 😊

[@afishynado6812]

Thank you for your care. :)

[@shannonspage9360]

Though your art you have grown into a true wildlife conservationist and a real ambassador for these animals. Helps to foster the next generation of conservationists

[@thelegendarybrit9183]

I could watch stoats and honestly any member of the weasel family for hours They are adorable and so interesting to watch

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Heartfelt thanks, Robert, for caring and sharing 😍

[@Sonia-jk7lf]

The 3 of them napping. 🥰You are an amazing person! I enjoy your videos; they are like warm blankets for winter nights. Please make a video on pigeons. They are so misunderstood and wrongfully hated.

[@christinatweet6580]

mourning doves??? ♥️♥️

[@Sonia-jk7lf]

@@christinatweet6580 no, rock and wood pigeons is what I mainly mean.

[@marysaltlife1427]

I love pigeons and morning doves😃

[@OttawaOldFart]

Full time job those stoats.

[@megan9068]

this is the most cute thing I've ever seen

[@ncdave4]

I'm never disappointed when I view your vids... great content and quality.

[@RobertEFuller]

Great 👍 glad you are enjoying the videos

[@LKBRICKS1993]

You were amazing at caring for the Stoats. Hope they are doing well now.

[@ANiMALFRiENDS_GOLDMAN]

You are AWESOMELY AWESOME as are the animals....when you save an animal you save more than just one animal because they breed . There will be 1000s of animals here simply because of your magnificent kindness and divine love. Unconditionally. WE ARE ONE WITH NATURE AND HAPPINESS BECOMES YOU...ONELOVE

[@demetremorris5541]

The stoats are so CUTE 🥰 😊❤

[@cykacatt]

Exceptional video! Admire the work you do, keep it up! 😍

[@SueofthePhoenixGate]

Stoats are so adorable.

[@johndutchman]

Love those sweeping aerial views !

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

oh that is a cute mammal. Love it. greets Stefan

[@dotbotha5898]

Thanks Robert you do a lot for animals

[@roberttirado4569]

Amazingly Beautiful. Thank you for what you do and sharing these awesome moments.😊

[@fattylovehandles8819]

wow.... this is a very great video ...... this is what is missing on animal planet channel

[@pjmiller9870]

I love what you do to rescue the wild animals. It's just amazing.

[@Karammellou]

I do enjoy your videos, true love for nature🙏🏼

[@CHAstaroth]

You are an angel 🥹 thanks for saving so much animals 🙏

[@PC-dc1kv]

Thank you for loving and taking care of the sweet animals

[@johnhickson]

Brilliant as always 😁😁😁

[@tanithlee2773]

That was amazing and adorable.

[@hepzib928]

Your videos of stoats drew me to your channel. Its no wonder that these are still my favorites! I LOVE ALL of your work.

[@maddy8855]

What a beautiful film!!! 🏆 💕 👏

[@Invad3rDiz]

She absolutely cute 🥺🤭

[@TrueChaoSclx]

These are some of my favourite videos from you. Stoats are my favourite animals, and this content makes me happy

[@RobertEFuller]

😃 makes me happy too seeing them back into the wild

[@jandolan7509]

What a brilliant film well done Robert .

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

What a blessing it would be to live a life completely devoted to nature. Thank you Mr. Robert …Blessings and kindness ✨

[@roshni1098]

such beautiful creatures and such beautiful footage!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@wanguiphoebemeg5621]

Just awesome. Thanks!

[@carinabella3393]

This is so incredible! Thank you so much 😀

[@ColorsRfun]

Robert, your videos are so well done, enjoyable and educational. Thank you for the hard work !

[@Tseringlhatso]

Great to see. Thanks for all you do!

[@cintulator2]

A little battery loaded with energy

[@raphaelprotti5536]

Sir Robert, you do wonderful work!

[@FlowersInHisHair]

They're so beautiful!

[@msinvincible2000]

They are so cute! It's great that they had two other friends with whom to grow up and explore

[@jamiegrieve5875]

Thanks from me and on behalf of the stoats...

[@globalnomad450]

Fantastic videography… so interesting!

[@ForchinBrewer]

At some point in my life, I want to be this level of dedicated to my hobbies

[@Sushi2735]

Oh my gosh, I wished with all my heart I lived there and could volunteer my time! ❤❤❤ Oh she’s suckling, precious,but I know the work involved! Yikes, but you can do it. It’s the middle of the night feeds that wipe you out!!., she is a little beauty!

[@betsylutch3]

I agree…robert fuller you have a heart of gold!

[@TheSpeedOfC]

Stoats are the absolute best! I love them!!

[@JoseRodriguez-zy6jq]

So amazing to watch God bless you ❣️

[@TheStickCollector]

More animals I haven't heard of before. Nice

[@Karibanu]

If you're in the US, they're called short-tailed weasels - they do look pretty similar.

[@indyreno2933]

Apparently, there are differences between the stoat and the american ermine, they are no longer conspecific and are also not closely related at all, the Common Weasel (Mustela erminea), also known as the short-tailed weasel, stoat, or ermine belongs to the genus Mustela (Old World Red-and-White Weasels) and has only eighteen recognized subspecies: the Northern Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea erminea), the Middle-Russian Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea aestiva), the Brown's Weasel (Mustela erminea augustidens), the Fergana Weasel (Mustela erminea ferghanae), the Irish Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea hibernica), the East-Siberian Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea kaneii), the Karaginsky Weasel (Mustela erminea karaginensis), the Altai Weasel (Mustela erminea lymani), the Ellerman's Weasel (Mustela erminea martinoi), the Swiss Weasel (Mustela erminea minima), the Gobi Weasel (Mustela erminea mongolica), the Honshu Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea nippon), the Jurgenson's Weasel (Mustela erminea ognevi), the Hebrides Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea ricinae), the Hall's Weasel (Mustela erminea salva), the British Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea stabilis), the Caucasian Short-Tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea teberdina), and the Tobolsk Weasel (Mustela erminea tobolica), whereas the Richardson's Weasel (Neogale richardsonii), also known as the richardson's short-tailed ermine, false stoat, or american ermine belongs to the genus Neogale (New World Red-and-White Weasels) and has only sixteen recognized subspecies: the Tundra Weasel (Neogale richardsonii arctica), the Kodiak Weasel (Neogale richardsonii kadiacensis), the Greenland Weasel (Neogale richardsonii polaris), the Junean Weasel (Neogale richardsonii alascensis), the Vancouver Island Weasel (Neogale richardsonii anguinae), the Western Great Lakes Weasel (Neogale richardsonii bangsi), the Bonaparte's Weasel (Neogale richardsonii cigognanii), the Kulshan Weasel (Neogale richardsonii fallenda), the North Cascades Weasel (Neogale richardsonii gulosa), the Sitka Weasel (Neogale richardsonii initis), the Little Rocky Mountain Weasel (Neogale richardsonii invicta), the Southwestern Weasel (Neogale richardsonii murica), the Olympic Weasel (Neogale richardsonii olympica), the Canadian Weasel (Neogale richardsonii richardsonii), the Baffin Island Weasel (Neogale richardsonii semplei), and the Merriam's Weasel (Neogale richardsonii stratori), the similarities between the two species is an example of convergent evolution, as not only they do not belong to the same genus, they also do not fall under the same tribe either, the Mustela genus belongs to the tribe Mustelini (Old World Weasels, Ferrets, and Minks) alongside seven other genera exclusively endemic to the old world like Kolonocus, Oreogale, Flavogaster, Cryptogale, Pocockictis, Putorius, and Palaeovison, whereas the Neogale genus belongs to the tribe Neogalini (New World Weasels, Ferrets, and Minks) along with three other exclusively new world genera like Leucictis, Neoputorius, and Neovison.

[@kz7287]

This was so beautiful to watch.

[@caitlinlang3488]

Oh my, the little stoat yawn

[@timf6916]

Very Cute.

[@emmasimms5395]

I so loved watching this video. Normally when I am out and about on walks I only get a glimpse of such animals but with your cameras it is absolutely brilliant to see. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jamiegrieve5875]

O my gosh that was more fulfilling than a hearty meal it's one of my if not favourite animal and I salute your care and help for them but your way to gain entry into their world is just something else i was completely still and silent for the whole thing ha brilliant...

[@MonsterMacLLC]

What a perfect way to fill a backyard full of tiny homes!!!

[@WUZLE]

I just had to move a couple of half grown weasels off a road. We saw them crossing it and when we stopped to take pictures two ran over and hid under our truck. I got them off the road and hopefully their mom came back and got them.