AN ANIMAL sanctuary based in Conwy is urging donations to put towards funding its future relocation.
Idlewild Animal Sanctuary is currently found at Pen Bryn Twrw Farm, but its lease expires there in June 2026, after which it will have to either move elsewhere or close.
The sanctuary has been helping animals in the Conwy Valley since 2015, and currently homes more than 200 creatures.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for people to pledge donations, with a target set of £600,000 - www.gofundme.com/f/u9ksw-we-need-to-move.
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Among those to share the page was actor Diane Morgan, who also appeared to pledge £100 to the cause last week.
Please help to save Idlewild Animal Sanctuary in Conwy North Wales, They need to find a new location https://t.co/gK3rEDJf20
— Diane Morgan (@missdianemorgan) July 11, 2024
Jon Gray, a trustee at the sanctuary, said: “It’s not just about looking after animals – we’re very much people-orientated, as well.
“We’ve got a great set of volunteers, a number of whom have learning difficulties and who won’t leave the house unless they’re coming to us. They’re made to feel worthwhile here.
“I always say that we’re not just feeding the animals here, we’re feeding humans, as well. If we have to close, it’s going to affect their mental health so severely.”
Jon said the sanctuary has nowhere specific in mind currently as a possible new destination, and is just focusing first on raising enough money to fund a move.
He also thanked Diane Morgan for her “incredibly generous” show of support for the campaign.
“We’re desperately trying to push the message out there,” Jon added.
“The more people who know about us, the more people can hopefully help us.
“Most of the properties we’re looking at are at about the £500,000 mark. With the cost of everything else, as well, I think we’re looking at about £600,000.
“We’ve got just over 200 animals at the moment, including birds, reptiles, donkeys, sheep, goats, cats – people just bring us all sorts.”
The sanctuary is a registered charity that provides rescue, rehabilitation, release and rehoming services for animals, in addition to providing a “safe haven” for those needing lifelong care.
All donations pledged to the GoFundMe page will be put towards the purchase of land, all permissions needed and the move itself.
If the sanctuary is unable to move, then donations will instead be spent on arranging for its animals to be rehomed, wherever possible.
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