VOLUNTEERS at one of the largest animal rescue centres in the country have turned to foraging for food in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Wetheriggs Animal Rescue Centre has been hit by a double whammy of not receiving its usual supply of food for the animals and seeing income drop to zero as the centre is closed to visitors.
Terry Bowes, who runs the centre, said: “We are affected very, very badly.
“We are obviously struggling now because we have no one coming through the doors. There has been nothing at all.
“We have had some very long discussions and our very vulnerable volunteers are not coming in anymore. This is putting a burden on our other volunteers.
“On a Tuesday we usually have eight coming in – today we have had four.”
Among the work that needs to be done is mucking out, feeding and watering.
Mr Bowes said: “We could do with some people to take the place of our older volunteers. Our head keeper has put together a chart for everyone to wash hands regularly and keep their distance apart.”
A critical problem is that many of the shops that would normally donate food past its sell-by date can no longer supply the centre, however, Mr Bowes said they had been fortunate that E&E Corn Supplies, from Bishop Auckland, had been “very good to us”.
He said he had also been cheered by cash donations that were made last week, including “a little old lady” who gave what she could.
Mr Bowes said: “I was reduced to tears – it was very humbling.
“We really are very thankful for the support we get from the people of Barnard Castle and we know we are in their hearts.”
The centre is turning to nature to get some of the food needed to feed the animals.
Mr Bowes said: “Thankfully there is a lot of stuff in the hedgerows so we are going hunter-gather. I have taught [the volunteers] to identify various plants that can be eaten by various animals and which are poisonous for some animals.”
Anyone who would like to support the animal sanctuary can visit wetheriggsanimal rescue.co.uk or visit the centre’s Facebook page.
Mr Bowes can be contacted on 07764 352835. The office number is 01833 627444.
