The gift of the Double Cab Invincible pickup is a replacement for the 4Runner model Toyota provided 20 years ago, a vehicle which has done stalwart service across the south of England.
Tiggywinkles, based near Aylesbury, has been rescuing, treating and rehabilitating British wildlife for more than 30 years. Tending to more than 10,000 casualties a year, the charity operates the world’s busiest wildlife hospital, dealing with all species from hedgehogs and badgers to deer and swans.
The Hilux all-wheel drive vehicle has been specially adapted for its role, with increased ground clearance and a snorkel exhaust unit, helping it tackle terrain and flooded roads beyond the reach of most vehicles. It has also been fitted with a Truckman top over the rear deck, roof rack, high-mounted LED lighting bar, front winch, towbar and Tiggywinkles livery.
Seating up to five, it is equipped as standard with cruise control, electric windows, heated door mirrors, automatic air conditioning and Toyota Touch touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth and a rear-view camera. There is a full complement of safety features, including front, side and curtain airbags, ABS and Vehicle Stability Control.
Tiggywinkles founder, Les Stocker, said: ‘We’re grateful for Toyota’s continued practical support for the work we do. Having a vehicle we can rely on to get our teams safely to where they’re needed, no matter what the conditions, is vital for our work. The new Hilux will be a great, lasting asset and will be of particular use when we need to transport the larger animals we care for.’
Thomas Rosselle, Toyota Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Affairs manager, added: 'We’re delighted Tiggywinkles enjoyed two decades of faultless service from the 4Runner. When we heard that the time had come for the vehicle to be retired, we thought the Hilux would be the perfect replacement and we hope the charity enjoys many more successful years with its new Toyota.'