You may have seen we at Friends and Canines love to support Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre before and during lockdown.

It is one of my favourite days out and I was very lucky to be able to meet Saxon The Wolfdog last summer.

We are looking forward to when we can next visit, but we are still delivering treats to them (& you safely) 

After battling through a wet winter, they were ready to welcome visitors to boost the coffers and keep the sanctuary going through the re-build. However, they find themselves, along with so many others, due to the Coronavirus, unable to open to visitors, carry out fundraisers or attend events. Their rainy day pot will be to be depleted, the money they raised to rebuild will have to be redirected to keeping the sanctuary going through this time. Money may not be coming in, but bills will continue to need paying. Animals will continue to be cared for to excellent standards, and let’s not forget the staff that need supporting to pay their bills.

What struggles are Gentleshaw under?

Gentleshaw are a self-supporting charity, with no government support, but all animals are still fed, exercised, treated, and enriched daily, no matter what, summer, winter, or throughout the lockout.

Through the coronavirus pandemic no visitors were allowed into Gentleshaw Wildlife centre due to lockdown restrictions, this means no admission charges, limited donations, and no shop sales or other on the day purchases, which makes up the income of this self-supported charity.

Back in 2019, they had a devastating fire, they dusted themselves off and carried on, and are still rebuilding the buildings. Funds raised were helping to replace the enclosures lost, as well as with further improvements to the animal’s homes and they are still took in emergency intakes, even through the lockdown period.

Wild casualties:

1 Barn owl now regaining fitness before release.

1 tawny owl still under care for a broken wing and a second, who we didn’t think would survive, has done and will hopefully be returned to the wild tonight.

Projects:

Ground has been cleared for work to commence on the feedroom once we have funds.

Saxon has some new ramps to help him get about. Waiting on the Windows now for Bruce the monitor lizards enclosure.

What animals do they have at Gentleshaw?

Gentleshaw currently have over 150 animals, including raccoons, emus, snakes, lemurs, owls, hawks, monkeys, falcons, tortoises, wildcats, meerkats and more!!

How can you support Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre?

Donate here, could be in aid of that person that doesn’t want a present, or just because you love or want to help Gentleshaw xx

Why not Adopt an animal here ? Or Book a Bird Of Prey Experience Who’s your favourite?? Let me know in the comments xx

Or Join The Friends of Gentleshaw for £25 here By supporting Gentleshaw wildlife centre by becoming a friend, you will receive: A magnet Pen, 2 newsletters (one to be sent in 2021) 2 admission tickets to the sanctuary (UK delivery only)

OR Buy the animals some treats from the Friends and Canines wishlist, we add extra treats to every order placed! And cover postage!! Just choose Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre as delivery option.

Did you know its not just Saxon and Quaver that enjoy Treats and presents? The raccoons, monkeys, and other animals love surprises too!!

Or Sign up to smile @ Amazon ….did you know you can do your usual Amazon shopping and at no extra cost to you Amazon will donate a % to Gentleshaw??

Buy from the Amazon wishlist here

Why not make it a day out?

Gentleshaw is a small rescue centre. They have over 100 residents of various species but they are not a large zoo. Also on site is a tearoom, miniature train, garden centre and playground and mini-golf. So you can spend a nice afternoon there.
Other attractions are separate businesses, please call the garden centre for details on prices/opening hours. 01785 851057 

Visit their website here http://www.gentleshawwildlife.co.uk/

Check out their Facebook for all the latest news and opening info