Parrots seeking refuge add to pressures at Lincolnshire zoo

CEO of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park Steve Nichols says that more people than normal are bringing in parrots because they can no longer look after them. | jpimedia

An 'overwhelming' number of parrots are arriving at a Lincolnshire zoo because people can no longer look after them.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park CEO Mr Steve Nichols said they would usually be taking in two or three per month at this time of the year.

"We’re are taking as many as 10 per week presently," he said. "This weekend alone we have taken in nine."

Many charities are suffering in the zoo world due to the negative impact of Covid 19.

However, funds at the wildlife park are drying up and , with hundreds of mouths to feed, it has been a growing concern.

Steve says Lincolnshire Wildlife Park staff are risking themselves to provide care for the animals, who have no idea of the pandemic outside their safe environment.

“These are very hard and unprecedented times for all businesses and we as a charity feel the brunt more than most," he said.

"But we also feel we have a duty to assist the people who, for whatever reason, feel they have to part with their much-loved pets in this pandemic.

"Up to date, other than the business rates grant of £25,000 back in March = and that barely covered two weeks'overheads - the charity hasn’t received one penny of help from the Government."

Presently Lincolnshire Wildlife Park are reaching out to their amazing followers and any companies that can provide help for these animals, as they battle on into an uncertain

future.

“We have set up fundraising campaigns on JustGiving and social media to at least alleviate some of the pressure caused by the situation," said Steve.

.“The response from our supporters has been overwhelming to say the least, and we never mean to feel ungrateful, but the amounts we need to maintain normality fall short massively every week.

"We are receiving phone calls from local citizens to ask how they can help, as well as many suggestions of fundraising.

"People and businesses across Lincolnshire were turning up on our doorstep to help, but now the lockdown has come into play even that’s stopped.

“It’s truly inspirational how supportive and generous people can be during such a difficult and uncertain time for us and them.

"We have been increasingly nervous and fearful for the future, and this has really lifted all of our spirits that there will be a future for us all."

Anyone wishing to help can visit JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/campaign/LWPcoronafund or the Amazon wishlist at

Parrots seeking refuge add to pressures at Lincolnshire zoo

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