Sheffield alpaca farm’s future uncertain – with no income and mounting bills
Mayfield Alpacas Animal Park in Ringinglow is home to more than 170 animals including alpaca, llama, dwarf mongoose, skunks, meerkats, reindeer and exotic birds.
However its only source of income - money from admissions - has disappeared since the introduction of Covid-19 lockdown.
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Hide AdIt costs about £500 to feed animals for three weeks and a crowdfunding campaign to keep them fed and ‘healthy and happy’ has so far raised just over £1,500.
However with the Government still unclear when zoos and animal sanctuaries can reopen volunteers are appealing for donations to keep going.
On Thursday the park spoke of their ‘devastation’ that they could not reopen this month along with non-essential shops.
They told how plans had been in place to allow one family in every 30 minutes - with a one-way system throughout the 28-acre site.
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Catherine Lowe, who is fundraising for the park, says monthly running costs are £6,000 a month - with electricity alone at £1,200.
She wrote: “This place has been and continues to be a sanctuary and a safe home for many animals including mistreated pets, abandoned pets, confiscations, lab animals and wildlife that has not been able to be successfully released.
“Plus ongoing rehab for future releases of British wildlife - without your help these animals face a very uncertain future.”
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