In March this year I was asked if I could help an injured baby hedgehog, and Fig came into my life. She was tiny, only weighed 50g, and her spikes were super soft. She had been caught by either a cat or a dog and had wounds all over her body.

I cleaned her wounds, gave her antibiotics and pain relief, and welcomed her into my whānau.

Right away I could tell she was a bit different from other hedgehogs, she seemed to really enjoy human contact and liked snuggling into my hoodie pocket. She enjoyed wandering around my dining room and lounge, and when winter came her favourite place was in front of the fire.

Fast forward to spring, and Fig started to get itchy feet. I guess living inside in a busy household had lost some of its appeal, and Fig was ready at last to leave home and go and be an adult hedgehog. Or so I thought.

Evening outdoor visits were aplenty, but after wandering around the garden for a bit Fig would come straight back to me – the provider of food, water and tummy rubs. It seemed Fig liked the idea of being an outside hedgehog, but with the comforts that being an inside hedgehog affords.

I came up with a brilliant idea – how about if Fig had her own house, outside … how perfect would that be!

With this brilliant idea I was introduced to two amazing Year 12 students, Jessie Black and Chantelle Kinaston-Smith who had volunteered to make a house for Fig.

The plans were drawn up and Jessie and Chantelle built the most amazing house for little Fig. A slanted roof, entry hallway, sleeping area, and even a ramp for easy entry!

Fig immediately took to her new home, especially since it came with the comforts that an indoor hedgehog was used to, such as soft fleece blankets.

Fig officially moved into her new home, in my garden, on Sunday evening. She is living her best hedgehog life, with a flash house, evening meal served at 9pm, endless water supply and of course tummy rubs from her favourite human.

Thanks so much Jessie and Chantelle. You have made this little hedgehog, and her human mum so happy 😊

Disclaimer: Fig has been soft released into my fully secured garden. She will not be released into the wild.