Animal Rescue and Sanctuary opens education centre in Whiting Bay
Arran Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Whiting Bay has officially opened its new education centre.
The hub, which became a registered charity in February last year, rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. It is the only facility of its type on the island and takes in a variety of animals, including otters, snakes, polecats and owls.
Where possible, animals are cared for and re-released into the wild, however, if they are not strong enough to be released, the animals are given continued love and attention by on-site volunteers.
The centre’s brand new education centre will take its mission further by helping people understand how to care for animals, both at home and in the wild.
Founders Diane Lewis and Colin Stobbs say they want to equip visitors with information through workshops and drop-in sessions so they know how to provide proper care for pets, meaning less end up needed to be rescued.
Diane said: “We realised we were getting lots of animals either brought in injured, or animals that people couldn’t keep for certain reasons, or they had bought as pets and didn’t want anymore.”
Diane explained that animals like hamsters, rabbits, and reptiles often require more extensive care than most people initially expect.
She added: “I want to give people information about different animals before they go and buy a pet. A lot of people think guinea pigs’ lives are short-lived, but I have a guinea pig here that’s 14 years old because it hasn’t been pestered and it has had the right food. Sharing small facts with people might mean not so many animals end up here.”
Diane also wants to provide information for tourists through the education centre, so they can make the most of the island’s rich wildlife.
The education centre, which has been 11 months in the making, has been made possible through a £6,000 National Lottery grant.
With over four acres of land still available on-site, Diane is keen to continue expanding the centre so it can support as many animals as possible.
She added: “We never, ever say no. We will always find room."
The centre’s board of trustees is due to meet in the coming weeks to work on a schedule for sessions at the education centre. More information can be found at arrananimalrescue.org.uk/
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