A LOCAL wildlife rescuer has described being nominated as a Community Champion of the Year as "incredibly unexpected".

Mary Polizzi, from Doletter Wildlife Rescue near Boho, is responsible for rehabilitating hundreds of wild animals, including stoats, otters, foxes, stoats, buzzards and more. 

And her efforts haven't gone unnoticed, as the selfless "lover of wildlife" is now in the running in the inaugural Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc.

"This is a big surprise, and so incredibly unexpected," she said, when she was told about her nomination. 

Originally from Zimbabwe, Mary said her homeland, with its vibrant wildlife, especially birds, had a lasting impact on her. 

So, when she moved to Ireland in 1998, and then to Fermanagh in 2001, she vowed to do all she could to help local wildlife. 

And it was eight years ago that her efforts gathered pace. Unexpectedly, she came across three orphaned pine marten chicks, which she nursed back to health and re-released into the wild. 

And with this, Doletter Animal Rescue was born, and it has proven to be an incredible journey that has seen Mary now rescuing hundreds of animals per year. 

"I feel that I was born to be in the wild, but the whole thing happened quite unexpectedly, too," Mary explained. "It started with three pine marten chicks and has grown from there. 

"I rescue all native wildlife, including swans around Enniskillen, otters, foxes, squirrels, pine martens, stoats and more.

"At the end of last year, I rescued five buzzards, and it was an incredible feeling having them released back into the wild to live their normal lives."

As a full-time IT Engineer for Waterways Ireland, Mary balances her working life with her wildlife rescue efforts.

This can be hectic, and she said she is often up at 6am to feed rescued chicks. 

"It is beyond rewarding, and I feel very privileged that I get to see and help all the amazing wildlife here," she added.

Nominating Mary, her nominator said she "works tirelessly" and "around the clock" to help local wildlife in need. 

"Mary and her team of volunteers work in oftentimes critical situations where an animal or bird has been injured to provide the necessary support and veterinary attention to all sorts of wildlife, from swans and buzzards to foxes, hedgehogs, bats and squirrels.

"Mary helps to inspire others to protect many of our protected species and to promote the rehabilitation of sick and injured wildlife. 

"Unlike farm animals or domestic pets, our wildlife doesn't have people to support and to do what is required. However, Mary and her team go a long way in this task.

"Mary is on standby at all hours of the day and knows, with careful consideration, how best to deal with each situation presented."