The first wildlife rescue ambulance was launched Wednesday, acting as an ambulance to rescue wild animals such as turtles and hedgehogs.

The initiative is spearheaded by Nature Trust and was co-financed by the Environment Resources Authority and the Environment Ministry.

The ambulance cost a total of €16,000 - €10,000 of which was covered by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change.

Nature Trust CEO Vince Attard said the ambulance would help increase the efficiency with which wildlife animals are rescued, adding that animals would be in an environment which would calm them down while being driven to the veterinarian.

Nature Trust saves 50 turtles and around 200 hedgehogs a year.

Mr Attard also lauded the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Environment Resources Authority, which will provide Nature Trust with €30,000 to be spent on medication, veterinarian expenses and raising awareness.

Speaking at the event in Xrobb l-Ghagin, Environment Minister Jose Herrera said the MoU would help raise awareness of wild animals and  strengthen the work of Nature Trust.

He also expressed hope that the agreement would increase awareness on marine litter and its impact on sea creatures.