Saved from death as a starving cub, how Harriet the badger found herself at the centre of a bitter battle between her rescuer and the authorities who insisted she be released… or killed

Graeme Wilson, an ecologist in Roxburghshire, rescued Harriet after finding her abandoned and close to death in late spring. His care left her accustomed to people, prompting wildlife authorities to say she could not safely return to the wild and should be put down unless a suitable licensed sanctuary could take her. The dispute has drawn public attention to the tension between wildlife protection rules and the welfare of an animal that cannot readily be released.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition supporting Wilson, and a fundraising campaign raised over £1,000 for Harriet’s care. A mystery benefactor then offered her sanctuary, and Wilson drove her to a confidential handover near Doncaster; her destination in England has not been disclosed. He said he was willing to let her go because he believed the new placement was the safest option.