Sidlesham animal charity seeks support amid coronavirus outbreak to help care for injured wildlife

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A Sidlesham charity is appealing for donations to help it keep providing life-saving care for animals amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, in Cow Lane, has had to stop volunteers from entering the hospital until further notice, with only essential staff and animal finders allowed on site.

Fundraising manager Asha Park said: “Our busiest season is just starting and the first of our seasonal influx of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife casualties has already started to arrive, with hedgehogs, young blackbirds, fox cubs and doves needing around the clock care.

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“We expect to take in over 1,000 wildlife casualties over the next few weeks, so volunteers are normally essential

Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital is expecting an influx of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in the coming weeksBrent Lodge Wildlife Hospital is expecting an influx of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in the coming weeks
Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital is expecting an influx of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in the coming weeks | User (UGC)

“Without the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, we have a difficult task ahead ensuring the animals in our care get the same level of treatment they deserve with fewer hands to help.”

The hospital is still accepting wildlife casualties, but has urged people to call 01243 641672 before taking the animal to the site, and for anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 to stay away.

Asha said: “The ever-changing announcements of public health measures to deal with coronavirus are having an impact on how charities operate, fundraise and deliver support, with cancelled fundraising events and no volunteer attendance already putting a strain on resources.

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“We have also made the difficult decision to announce our charity shops, located in Worthing, Bognor, Havant, Selsey and Hayling Island, are closed until further notice. The shops are the heart of the communities and generate our main source of income so we will all do our best to keep the charity functioning the best we can on the limited resources we generate.”

Brent Lodge is welcoming support through donations, such as essential cleaning supplies or pet food, which can be left at the drop-off point at the hospital.

The charity is not accepting donations of newspapers, towels or items for the shops at the moment.

Asha said: “Thank you for your support during these difficult times and we look forward to welcoming volunteers back once it is safe to do so.”

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