Sanctuary fire damage appeal

March 25th 2019. Fire broke out in one of our enclosures, we lost animal lives we cared for, and enclosures we worked hard to construct. Gentleshaw has been providing a home for rescued animals since 1993. Unwanted, mistreated animals can find a home here. Many of our residents are from welfare seizures and cruelty cases. Some carrying mental or physical scars from their previous lives. The fire stole the lives of our family of fruit bats, a colony started  with Cleo, a fruit bat found being kept in a kitchen cupboard, our trio of Sulcata tortoise , Thelma and Louise who were welfare cases and Todd, who needed a new home. We also lost Basil, a meerkat, who’s previous home used him as a prop. He lived in a cat carrier. Basil and mate Sybil had never been outside, been able to dig or forage for insects before they arrived at Gentleshaw almost 7 years ago.  After much fundraising, an enclosure was built allowing them to finally be able to be meerkats , shortly after they arrived as emergency rescues.
  Sybil survived the fire, always more sensitive than laid back Basil, she choose to move outside to safety. Basil, heart breakingly , did not.
   The fire completely destroyed Sybil’s home, along with that of our wild and savannah cats. The cats moved away and the wonderful firemen, kept them safe. They are currently in a temporary enclosure.  



As a registered charity, we spend all funds raised on the sanctuary . Improving enclosures, vet fees, animal feed. Our wonderful band of volunteers care for the animals 365 days a year. 


After the the initial shock, and on going heart ache from loosing our animals, we are dusting ourselves off and trying to re build what we have lost, so we can can continue our rescue work. 

To replace all the animal homes that we have lost, we need to raise a huge amount. So far people have been amazingly generous, donations have come in from all over the world. If we can raise a further £8000, we can re build, a new home for our cats and a new home for Sybil. It’s a big ask, people have already been so kind, but if you have anything to spare, we would all, especially Sybil, be extremely greatful 

More information about Gentleshaw Bird Of Prey Wildlife Hospital: Rehabilitation of wild, injured birds of prey. Sanctuary for rescued, re homed or mistreated captive bred exotic animals including birds of prey, reptiles, primates, emus, raccoons.