A Sutherland animal rescue centre could be forced to close its doors in a matter of weeks following a substantial downturn in funding due to the pandemic.
The Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre desperately needs to raise £5,000 in just two weeks or face the heartbreaking decision to close to new admissions.
Resources and space at the centre in Brora are dwindling day-by-day, with 68 injured, abandoned or endangered birds currently being cared for.
Additional money is now essential to construct five outdoor enclosures and three aviaries to keep the centre fully operational.
Jane Wilson, assistant director, said management have been forced to use their emergency funds to meet the demands of breeding season.
She said: “We are already using our emergency fund and by the end of this Spring fledgling rush, we’ll be £5,000 down.
“We’re being brought new admissions multiple times a day right now but if we don’t hit our fundraising target, we’re going to have to start turning people away.
“There is concern, disappointment and worry, but there is also some frustration.
“We are naturally very positive people. We are eternally optimistic.
“It is the way we are made and we know we are doing important work.”
The centre – which has been in operation for around 18 months – was forced to spend thousands of pounds to install a new security system after two birds were stolen during an overnight break-in in March.
Since then, coronavirus has had a catastrophic impact upon the funding of the centre and others like it.
Mrs Wilson said they have simply “reached a crisis point” ad must now seek help from the public.
She added: “We never say no when someone calls or brings a bird to the centre because we’re equipped to help.
“But the reality is that we simply cannot continue without a significant funding boost.”
As well as paying more than £600 on food every month, the centre has to cover electricity bills, veterinary costs and the purchase of specialist equipment.
And Mrs Wilson added: “We need to get the aviaries and enclosures ready as soon as possible so we can transition the recovering birds for wild release at just the right time.
“Wild release is time sensitive for some birds.
“If we get in an adult fieldfare, for example, and don’t get it to full strength and out within the migratory window, then it misses its chance.
“They then can’t go and have to hunker down for another year before they get the chance again.”
A ‘pay it forward’ crowdfunding scheme has now been established to help keep the animal welfare centre afloat.
An array of rewards and visitor passes are available, with packages ranging from £15 to £1,000.
The dedicated assistant director said the funds will make the difference between “being able to keep the doors open and keep accepting the birds in” or having to say “sorry, no new admissions”.
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