This year, we are sharing the story of each of our 2024 charity calendar stars every month so you can learn more about the hamster behind the photo.

Luna was our featured hamster for the month of July: she was one of 9 babies surrendered to us after a family bought a pair of “same-sex” hamsters from a pet shop, only to find out they had become a mother and father.

THIS MONTH’S STORY COMES WITH A TRIGGER WARNING: This story contains descriptions and images of hamster injury and death.

In October 2023, we were asked to take in a litter of 9 hybrid dwarf hamsters, and in usual HII fashion, we got very creative and dubbed them “the Halloween litter”. These babies were named Eek, Boo, Screech, Sabrina, Zelda, Wednesday, Mildred, Hermione, and Luna. We had to split the litter immediately into their own cages as they were already over 8 weeks old. All except one found their forever homes, which brings us to Luna’s awful story.

Luna had a tragic accident while in foster care. She was discovered deceased on her bars, hanging by her back leg. She had got caught in an awful position, where falling while climbing had woven her leg through two adjacent bars. Due to the awful angles involved and this weaving effect, she was sadly unable to free herself, despite struggling. When found, it was too late. The whole team was devasted and took quick action to make sure all other barred enclosures in the network were wrapped, even for short-term use.

We don’t want Luna to have died in vain. If you have a barred enclosure, please wrap it. Just because bar accidents are rare, doesn’t mean they don’t happen. They can happen to any keeper using a barred enclosure at any time, and the aftermath isn’t something we want any of you to have to experience. The fact it happened to one of our foster hamsters proves it truly can happen to anyone.

How can you make your barred enclosures safe? What materials can you use?
Luckily, we have now tried a few different methods, so it’s your decision on which works best for you.

• Cardboard – Does the job on no budget, but is very temporary if your hamster is a chewer!
• Cork mats – Similar to cardboard for wear, has a more aesthetic finish and low cost.
• Grass mats – You’d need 10-12, which is fairly costly, and these are chewable. Looks gorgeous though!
• Perspex – The most permanent option, but comes at a significant cost. Big benefit is that you’ll still have visibility of your hamster.

Where to buy the above materials?

• Cardboard – Any cardboard will do, so this is usually the cheapest/no-cost option.
• Cork mats – IKEA have desk pads that we have used, or cork rolls can be found on Amazon..
• Grass mats – Amazon have multipacks available, and several pet stores also may have these in-store.
• Perspex Panels – Amazon – a quick and easy way to add perspex.
• Perspex – If you’re happy to DIY, you can go to your local hardware store (Woodies). You can also purchase custom screens with built-in doors and form fitted features from Viking Laser (they already have screens for a few popular barred enclosures such as the Plaza), though these are at a very premium pricepoint.

For a tutorial on how to fix the above materials to your barred enclosures, check out our wrapping video.

Please share Luna’s story every time you hear people naysay the dangers of barred enclosures. These awful accidents can happen to even the most involved, experienced keepers if bars are left unwrapped.
If you’d like to support our rescue work, you can make a donation here.

Next month, learn about little Belle!