Wexford wildlife park appealing for help to feed and shelter animals

The park has run out of funds.

A Wexford wildlife park that is home to 35 species of wild animals, including rescue animals from the pet trade and research laboratories, has made a desperate call for public support to maintain its conservation facility. Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Clonroche, County Wexford, has over 100 animals to feed and care for daily, ranging from domestic animals to llamas and alpacas, meerkats and otters. Secret Valley closed for over three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 14-acre wildlife park, which relied on income from entrance fees, school tours and education workshops, has run out of funds. Even though they have reopened, they still need to make up the shortfall in income from March to July. Founder Ann O’Connor has launched an emergency appeal on GoFundMe, as well as a crowdfunding campaign with perks for contributors in order to buy animal feed and maintain the habitats. "Secret Valley has no government funding, and despite fundraising efforts through animal sponsorships and pre-selling tickets, we urgently need support to care for the animals and carry out essential enclosure maintenance and repairs," she said. Since opening 14 years ago, Secret Valley Wildlife Park has worked with a European exotic animal rescue organisation to provide a permanent home for exploited and neglected exotic animals. The Secret Valley facility currently has four species of rescued primates, including capuchin monkeys and cotton-top tamarins, rescued from the pet trade. A recent addition is four Rhesus Macaques which were saved from a Dutch Laboratory. Having been used for neurological research, it is hoped Bassie, Adriaan, Puyi and Tchang can live out the rest of their lives in peace at Secret Valley Wildlife Park. People who donate more than €15 to Secret Valley will receive a certificate with would make a lovely gift for an animal loving friend or child. You can make a donation through Secret Valley's Indiegogo page here.