The cost of living crisis spares no one; not even beloved local zoos. Axe Valley Wildlife Park in Devon is the latest victim, announcing on Tuesday (October 7) that it will be closing after 17 years in business.
The park is home to a variety of animals ranging from little squirrels and meerkats to exotic peacocks and zebras, but this Friday (October 10) it will be shutting its gates for the very last time. It announced the news on its website, saying that it comes with ‘a heavy heart’, but that it ‘has become financially unviable for us to continue operating’.
‘We are not the only business facing these difficult times’, it added in the statement, which continued: ‘When we opened our gates 17 years ago, we could never have imagined the wonderful journey ahead of the thousands of amazing visitors, school trips, and loyal members who became part of our zoo family.
‘We are so proud of the wide variety of animals we’ve cared for over the years, each one holding a special place in our hearts.’
If the idea of a lonely flamingo makes you a bit sad, don’t worry. All of the animals currently living at Axe Valley will be safely rehomed in the coming months ‘in full compliance with animal welfare rules and procedures’.
You can still visit the park until Friday, with last entry being 3.30pm. You can get a refund for any memberships you have already purchased if you email Axe Valley before October 31 – more information on how to do that, including the email to contact, can be found on the membership page of the zoo’s website. If you don’t request a refund, the extra cash will go towards caring for the animals until they move to their new homes.
The zoo also thanked all of its staff and volunteers for ‘[having] worked tirelessly with love, dedication, and passion to care for our animals and welcome our visitors’, adding ‘we truly couldn’t have done it without you’.
The website note ends with a message to the many visitors, pass-holders, and donors to Axe Valley over the years; ‘From all of us here thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the love you’ve shared with our animals and team.
‘You’ve made the past 17 years truly unforgettable.’
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