Rescue zoo near Boston makes renewed appeal for help as Tier 3 leaves it unable to open

Just some of the animals taken on by The Ark, in Stickney, during the pandemic.

The Ark, in Stickney, the UK’s only zoo specialising in rescuing animals from the exotic pet trade, says it will not be able to re-open under Tier 3.

This is because, as a result of needs of the animals in its care, large sections of the Ark are undercover.

Founders Jamie and Michelle Mintram have now had to re-furlough staff to keep down running costs and are caring for the Ark’s 300-plus residents on their own, while still taking on new ones.

During the last few months, the Ark has welcomed numerous animals in need, including: four raccoons that faced euthanasia if not found a home by the end of October, several foxes, two marmoset monkeys, one of which was signed over to the Ark from the Spanish Government after being removed from an unsuitable home, a coati, a serval (a type of African wildcat), as well as many more traditional pets including rabbits and chinchillas.

The Ark also spoke of a worrying trend in people wishing to keep dangerous wildcats, potentially fuelled by the recent Tiger King documentary.

Funds for the support it provides are running ‘drastically low’, it says.

“By the time the second lockdown ends, the sanctuary will have had its doors closed to the public for the best part of half a year,” Jamie said. “With all the running costs of the sanctuary coming from public visitors, this has been a huge blow, and yet the problem of unwanted/illegal animals from the exotic pet trade appears to be growing.”

Members of the public can help by making a donation at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/arksos or by buying a bag of feed at the Ark’s feed supplier, Barley Feeds, on 01790 754969.