Wildlife carers at Secret World Wildlife Rescue near Burnham-On-Sea have issued an appeal for help after high winds caused damage to part of its facilities.
The charity says that earlier this month four of the aviaries holding resident birds at Secret World had parts of their roofs blown off.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue founder Pauline Kidner told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The aviaries are very old and we were are just very relieved that the aviaries remained intact and we hadn’t lost any of the birds.”
“We have had to move the birds into temporary housing – enclosures used for wildlife casualties which are designed to stop them from seeing humans.”
She adds: “Luckily at this time of year we are fairly quiet so the pens are not in use. This is only a temporary measure until we can find the funds to rebuild the pens as they are beyond repair.”
“It has meant that we have moved them away from the area where all the staff are moving through. Mumbles, our resident European Eagle Owl, is feeling rather lonely and is calling a lot at night as he doesn’t understand where everyone has gone.”
“This has affected quite a few of our birds – Barn Owls, A Tawny and a Kestrel that many of our visitors will know. Fortunately, our bird handlers do come in regularly to give them a chance to come out, but it is at night when they are calling to each other that it is sad to hear.”
Pauline, pictured, adds: “It has been a very tough year financially and we just aren’t in the position to be able to build anything at the moment.”
“If anyone is able to help us with donated materials, man power or donations we would love to hear from them.”
“Secret World usually cares for over 5,000 wildlife casualties every year but the weather led to increase in animal numbers and a fall in revenue for the charity. If you can help contact us on 01278 783250 or email info@secretworld.org”
