Bedfordshire Wildlife Rescue in Houghton Regis has temporarily closed down due to a heavily-damaged roof that can not be fixed until all animals are safely cleared out.
Three separate leaks at the Cemetary Road refuge have forced owner Sam Bedford to stop accepting new admissions – and appeal for help.
Sam told the Gazette: “I’m sad to say that we are going to have to close for a while. There are multiple leaks in the hospital and the aviaries have been flooded.
“We need to rehabilitate the animals we already have here before we can get to the roof and find out how we can fix it.
“In the meantime you will find a list of other carers on our website, but we would like to issue a plea for donations towards getting the roof fixed – that would be very helpful.
“We are also looking for volunteers, so if anyone is interested in helping out in the new year, that would be great too.”
Since opening in early 2004, Beds Wildlife Rescue has cared for animals that are injured, hungry, orphaned or abandoned.
The charity, which is the only one of its kind in the county, looks after hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits, ducks, pigeons, badgers and more – including birds of prey such as falcons, hawks and owls.
For insurance purposes, volunteers must be over 16 years old. If you are interested in helping out or donating, visit www.wildlife-rescue.org.uk.