INTERNATIONAL OWL SOCIETY FUNDRAISING DAY

Entry on a donational basis with all proceeds going to support the ‘Blakiston’s Fish Owls’ project.

Tuesday 5th JUNE

QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION DAY 

 Free entry to the Sanctuary and a chance to buy a scrumpous BBQ at Tiggy’s Tea Rooms

Sunday 1st JULY

MOTORCYCLE BIKE MEET

Free entry for bikers with a helmet

The sanctuary is still struggling in the economic climate and due to the reduction in visitor numbers and an overall increase in costs we recently set out on a campaign through the television and media asking for help to continue our rehabilitation work. As some of you know we are getting a huge number of telephone calls, day and night, from members of the public who have a sick or injured owls. It is not only the costs that are involved but resources such as manpower and logistics are something that we cannot control.

HALLOWEEN OPEN DAY

Our last open day ‘HALLOWEEN’ was a great success we had as many visitors as on our open day with fancy dress competitions and raffles ~ thanks to all who attended and supported us.

VOLUNTEER HELPERS

Last year we were very fortunate to have two dedicated volunteers Dan and Paula who have been invaluable in keeping the sanctuary going alongside our own dedicated staff. They have helped us in our outside fundraising events and if anyone is able to commit some time to assist our qualified staff with any skills they may have please contact us.

ZOO INSPECTION

 As reported in the last newsletter we had an inspection in October for the renewal of our 10 year license and I am pleased to report we were successful. The expert vet recognised the commitment and dedication of the staff and commended the care and welfare of all the birds and animals on site. He recognised the improvements we were undertaking namely the reorganisation in the feed room with a new sink and worktops. A hand washing remote station on site was further discussed and has been implemented near the petting areas.

OBITUARIES

It is always sad reporting the loss of owls in our newsletters but as our vet pointed out to us that with a collection of this size death’s do and will occur. Rolo, our Malaysian Brown Wood Owl, sadly died last month and the post mortem concluded it was due to an enlarged liver. It is always a worry when deaths occur as the staff worry it is caused by poor welfare but this is never the case. Montana, a Western Screech Owl, is our latest loss due to a tumour on the liver and was nearly 12 years old.

NEW ARRIVALS

On a lighter note we are pleased to report on a new arrival ‘WOODY’ a Miniature Shetland Pony who came from a lady in St.Austell who had him as a companion for another horse she owned who was 20 years old. Sadly the horse had to be put down but after visiting our park she asked us if we could offer him a good home. We went to see him and had no qualms with taking him on as he has a lovely friendly character and I am sure he will fit in well with Malteser and Daisy. Woody’s owner has been to visit him a couple of times and is pleased with the way he has settled in, he is also available for sponsorship. Our two other Miniature Shetland misfits are residing at our vet’s farm over the winter months as he has a nice paddock where they can graze during the rainy months. His young children are spoiling them at the moment, and they are loving the attention. They returned to us at Easter to meet their new buddy Woody. Due to the very wet weather we have had lately the site resembles a boating lake and we are considering getting wetsuits for the alpacas and goats. It is one of the worst wet spells we have had for many a year.

Another addition to the park is a Short Eared Owl which was brought in injured from a garden in St.Columb Road. Sadly it had a damaged wing which had to be amputated at the elbow, but we are pleased to announce she is doing very well and has been put in an aviary with ‘Henry’ who came to us last year from the Scilly Isles. She will stay at the sanctuary and Fiona, the lady that found her, has agreed to sponsor her and name her ‘STELLA’. The local Western Morning News has also done a feature on her as have other local papers, hopefully we now have a pair and although it is rare that they breed in captivity who knows what may happen!

International Owl Society Fundraising Day

We will be holding a fundraising day on Saturday 12^th May in aid of the ‘International Owl Society’ for one of the rarest birds in the world the ‘Blakistoni Fish Owl’ (Ketupa Blakistoni). These rare owls are found in the coastal mountain ranges of Eastern Siberia, Russia, China and Japan.The males weigh in at an amazing 8.3 lbs and can grow as tall as 75 cm (30?). The females are typically larger than the males and can weigh up to 10 lbs and reach up to 37.5 ” tall. 

 CANADIAN VISITORS

We have also spotted the Canadian Geese returning to the lake area. They have come back for the last 8 years to breed and most years have had 7 babies. The species mate for life and usually use the same nest every year. They like to nest on an island away from predators and have this week hatched 4 lovely fluffy goslings.

WE ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 24th MARCH UNTIL 4th NOVEMBER

A charming one bedroom holiday cottage situated next to our wildlife park where you will hear the owls at night and have unlimited access to the park. 

Situated in mid Cornwall just off the main A30 and central to 4 major towns. Newquay airport 5 miles and St.Columb Road railway station 2 miles.

Local village amenities 2 miles. Newquay beaches 7 miles and 8 miles to the Eden Project. Ideal for walkers and cyclists as we are situated on the Goss Moor Trail, an area of outstanding natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

The bedroom can sleep up to 4 persons and has a king size bed and a futon, an en-suite comprising an electric shower, vanity unit and low level toilet.  A travel cot can be provided on request. Towels and bedding are provided.

Downstairs is open plan with a kitchen area comprising an oven, microwave and hob. The dining area has a table and chairs ( high chair available on request ) and the lounge area has a settee and 2 arm chairs  a TV/DVD and Wi-Fi access.

Outside the cottage is a parking area, an enclosed private patio area with garden furniture and BBQ .

WE REGRET NO SMOKING OR PETS WITHIN THE PROPERTY

FOR PRICES AND BOOKINGS PLEASE TELEPHONE 01726 860182

 email : cscreech@owlsanct.freeserve.co.uk

More details can be found at: http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk Newquay area.