Wetheriggs Zoo and Animal Sanctuary facts for kids
Wetheriggs Animal Rescue is a special place that helps animals. It used to be called Wetheriggs Zoo and Animal Sanctuary. It is a charity in the United Kingdom that rescues animals.
Wetheriggs is an animal rescue centre that helps animals from all over the world. It is located near Barnard Castle in County Durham, England, right by the A66. The centre takes in many different kinds of animals. However, they do not take in pet cats or dogs. Many animals there were once pets that their owners could no longer care for. Most other animals have been rescued from different places across the UK. Some animals even come from other rescue centres around the world as part of animal swaps.
The Story of Wetheriggs Animal Rescue
The animal rescue centre first opened in 2006. It was started by Terry Bowes, who had worked with zoo animals for 45 years. The first location was at the old Wetheriggs Pottery site.
In 2008, the centre started doing more. They worked to bring back the Cumberland Pig, a rare type of pig. They also helped rare kinds of chickens and native newts. Because of this important work, the centre was renamed Wetheriggs Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre.
Later, in 2011, it changed its name again to Wetheriggs Zoo and Animal Sanctuary. Then, in 2014, the animal rescue moved to a new home. This new place is at Thorpe Farm Centre, close to Barnard Castle. When they moved, they went back to the name Wetheriggs Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre.
Meet the Animals at Wetheriggs
The centre is home to many different animals. You can find alpacas, sheep, goats, and cows. There are also horses, donkeys, pigs, and many kinds of birds like chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.
Smaller animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and gerbils also live there. You might even see hedgehogs, budgies, and quail. The centre also cares for some more unusual animals. These include skunks, tarantulas, snakes, and lizards.
Some of the more exotic animals that Wetheriggs cares for are not currently on display for visitors. This helps ensure they are comfortable and safe.
How Wetheriggs Helps Animals
Wetheriggs Animal Rescue needs help from people to keep running. They rely on the kindness of the public to care for all the animals. When people visit the centre, they pay an admission fee. All of this money goes directly to helping the animals. People can also give money directly to the centre to support their important work.
