THE Isle of Wight’s animal attractions have been battling enforced closure, due to the coronavirus crisis, over one of their busiest times of the year.
Despite not being able to welcome visitors through their doors, over what would normally have been the bustling easter holiday, the teams still need to look after the monkeys, parrots, anteaters, cayman, donkeys and big (and little) cats in their care.
Here’s the Isle of Wight County Press’s one-stop-shop - or hop? - to everything you need to know if you would like to support the Island’s varied animal organisations.
Amazon World, Newchurch
Amazon World Zoo Park in Newchurch has set up a crowdfunding page, and is urging Islanders to ‘adopt’ its animals. It has been releasing videos on its Facebook page, as well as running competitions.
Home to more than one hundred different species, Amazon World Zoo Park houses over one thousand animals.
It says it needs support to help it to continue to feed the animals and provide veterinary care for those that need it.
A Crowdfunder page is raising funds.
Many of the animals can be ‘adopted’ as a way of supporting the park.
And from mealworms to chew toys, brushes to balls, Amazon World has launched an Amazon ‘wish list’ of items it needs for its furry, scaly and feathery friends.
Cats Protection, Ryde
Cats Protection Isle of Wight has closed for the duration of the coronavirus crisis and cats cannot be rehomed while it is shut.
The charity is providing some limited support and has published information on what to do if you are worried about a feline friend on the Island.
It is calling for 'home heroes' to take part in its 15-day '2.6 fundraising challenge'. Find the details and get involved HERE.
It has also set up an Amazon 'wish list', for those who want to help the charity stock up on cat food (HERE).
The Donkey Sanctuary, Wroxall
The Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall, is running ‘Sanctuary from your Sofa’ - from live webcams to special events, to ensure it stays in the public eye.
Its efforts have been so successful, that it was featured on Channel Four’s The Steph Show on 7th April (watch HERE if you missed it).
The sanctuary's CEO, Mike Baker, said: "Staff are putting in an extraordinary effort to make sure our donkeys and mules continue to receive care. In line with government guidelines, we're adapting well, while all our sites remain closed to the public."
Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown
At its home in Yaverland, near Sandown, the Isle of Wight Zoo is a charity supported by The Wildheart Trust.
It is home to rescued big cats, as well as lemurs and birds.
It has launched the SOS - Save Our Animal Sanctuary fundraising appeal, fronted by broadcaster Chris Packham.
Chris Packham said: "We want to make sure these lions and tigers are happy and healthy...but also that we can continue to operate. Any donations you can afford would be most gratefully received, with a purr and a roar and a wag of a tail from a tiger. And what could be better than that?"
Monkey Haven, near Newport
Based near Newport, Monkey Haven cares for rescued primates and it is raising money through its Leaf Appeal.
From its Facebook page (HERE), it has been screening virtual talks and running competitions.
Monkey World's founder released a video message in March, when it was forced to close.
RSPCA, Godshill
RSPCA Isle of Wight had only just officially opened its new base when coronavirus forced the charity to close.
It has been giving updates on the animals in its care on its Facebook page (HERE).
It has relaunched its cat and dog boarding business. When it reopens, the proceeds will fund the animal rescue charity.
The team has also taken time out to #clapforcarers during the coronavirus crisis.
Tapnell Farm Park, West Wight
Tapnell Farm Park, between Calbourne and Freshwater, is home to a myriad of animals, from pigs, to meerkats, to wallabies.
It has closed for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic and issued a statement on its website.
West Wight Alpacas and Llamas
West Wight Alpacas and Llamas is updating its Facebook page (HERE) and says it is making plans for the summer.It has been running Lambcam, to give a virtual farm experience, and has launched a fundraising page, that you will find HERE.
Butterfly World, near Newport
The business has temporarily closed, but has posted a message...
Reptilarium, Yarmouth
The Isle of Wight Reptilarium, at Fort Victoria, near Yarmouth, has launched a fundraising drive as it continues to look after its animals.
Find the link HERE.
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