Wildlife rescue centre to close due to soaring costs
‘Exhausted’ animal lovers are forced to close wildlife rescue centre due to soaring cost of feed, petrol and energy bills as donations dry up during cost-of-living crisis
- Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue said it cannot afford to taken in any more animals
- The volunteer-run rescue said it was ‘feeling the bitter sting of rising living costs’
- It said volunteers had been working extra shifts at their other jobs to pay its bills
- One boss even came out of retirement to help, but fell ill due to the demands
‘Exhausted’ animal lovers at a wildlife rescue centre say it is being forced to close its doors to new admissions due to the soaring cost-of-living.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, which is run by volunteers, says the rising cost of feed, petrol and energy bills, combined with a drop in donations caused by the financial crisis has left it in a perilous position.
In an emotional statement posted on social media, the centre, which which helps sick and injured ducks, foxes, mice, birds and deer among other animals, said volunteers been working extra shifts at their normal jobs to pay its bills.
It said that while the animals currently in its care will not be moved or re-homed, it simply cannot afford to take in any more.
A spokesperson said falling donations had forced other rescue centres to close and they were ‘battling hard to avoid a similar fate’.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue has said it cannot take in any more animals due to rising costs. Pictured is a volunteer at the centre holding a swan
The centre, which takes in injured and sick animals, says donations have dried up during the cost of living crisis. Pictured is a fox cub rescued by the centre
‘We’re all feeling the bitter sting of rising living costs,’ they said.
‘Electricity, petrol, and bills, in general, are so much higher than they used to be and understandably, we’ve had a massive drop in donations because of this.
‘We’ve seen huge increases in the price of everything needed for the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife.
‘Feed has risen by roughly 70 to 90 per cent, petrol prices are through the roof – the amount of travelling we do daily is unreal.
‘Powering all the incubators and specialist equipment, medications, bedding, a good month can be over £2,000, throw in vet and unexpected bills and you’re sometimes double that.
‘Until we’re in a better place with funds, we simply cannot afford to take in any further admissions.
‘We’re only volunteers and we cannot be running a rescue, which is a massive task on its own.
‘And taking on extra shifts at paid workplaces just to keep the rescue open, we’re exhausted.’
They added that one of the centre’s bosses had even come out of retirement in an effort to keep it going, but fell ill due to the demands of the role.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue says the cost of petrol, food and energy have all soared, leading to the difficult decision to stop accepting new animals. Pictured is a volunteer from the centre holding a pigeon
In an emotional statement posted on Facebook, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue said volunteers had been working extra shifts at their normal jobs to help pay its bills
The centre said it hoped that this wasn’t the end, adding: ‘Our hearts break for the future wildlife causalities that we wish we could afford to take in.’
In the meantime, they have urged people to donate to the charity via their fundraising page.
Supporters took to social media to express their sadness at the centre’s temporary closure.
Nikki Franks said: ‘Done hope every donation helps you get back on your feet xx.’
Jayne Riley said: ‘I’ve set up a monthly donation hopefully you can get enough funds to carry on with the great work you do, I will share the post too.’
The wildlife rescue has made a plea for help on Facebook (pictured here) and urged people who are able to to donate money
Lloyd North said: ‘So sorry to hear this. I’ve done what little I can with a monthly donation, and I hope your financial situation improves sufficiently for your great service to resume. Good luck.’
Jo Crolla said: ‘You can’t close. The animals need you. I’ve set up a monthly. Sorry it can’t be more but hopefully as a collective we can keep you going. Good luck!’
Alemap Oedsab added: ‘Have set up a monthly donation and will share this post to encourage others to help support the fantastic work you all do!’
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