It’s best known for its avian residents, but Eagle Heights’ latest team member is completely useless at flying.

Fortunately Echo the husky won’t have to get used to sleeping on a perch or pretending to be a low flying raptor during the falconry displays. For while the wildlife centre in Eynsford has around 100 birds of prey, it’s also home to a menagerie of other animals including 30 huskies and Alaskan malamutes.

It’s a lucky break for Echo - aka Gecko - who had been due to be put down aged just nine-months-old, when Eagle Heights were told of his plight.

“We had sworn we couldn’t take any more dogs due to such financial pressure from the rescues we currently have,” posted the wildlife centre on Facebook. “But the age of this dog and the circumstances got us by the heart strings.

“In the end, we agreed to take him, against all ‘business’ advice given. Luckily, as we have said before, we are not a business and make no profit from the animals we rescue.”

Eagle Heights’ director Alex Leonard said Echo’s story encapsulated why people needed to be better educated. “The dog was with a couple who had an older husky, which was more relaxed than Echo,” he said. “Echo kept escaping from the garden and is very energetic. They tried to get him rehomed but had no success. We’ve taken on many over the years and we do husky rides here. We use them for what they’re meant to be used for so they’ve got the best life they can have here as a husky dog. It’s all to do with educating people about the breed. People often like the look of huskies but don’t know much about them.”

To sponsor Echo or any other animal, email office@eagleheights.co.uk, or donate via PayPal at paypal.me/eagleheightswf or transfer money using

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Account Number: 34547193 Sort Code: 60-06-33.