Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Appeal launched after fire
Wildwood animal park has launched a fundraising appeal following a devastating blaze which ripped through two breeding enclosures for red squirrels. One of the endangered rodents was killed in the fire, which saw 200 visitors evacuated from the site at 3.30pm last Monday. Crews in several fire engines spent more than four hours battling the blaze - the first in the animal park’s 21-year history - as thick plumes of smoke rose to the sky.
It was found to have started accidentally after embers from a log burner in an area off-limits to the public spread to nearby outbuildings. Wildwood’s head of conservation, Laura Gardner, said: “This has really set our conservation work with red squirrels back because we won’t be able to breed as many this year.” A member of staff managed to save a second red squirrel - one of about nine at the park - from a burning enclosure.
No other animals were harmed during the fire, as dormice, barn owls, and all inhabitants of the park’s reptile house were swiftly evacuated.
Staff were also on standby to move reindeer and wild cats. The blaze also destroyed a volunteer area, containing several materials and tools worth more than £800.
Wildwood Trust’s Laura Metcalfe said: “Many of our volunteers were only just starting to come back in after lockdown. “Now we have to send them back again, at a time when we need them more than ever.” Last Tuesday, the park’s director general, Paul Whitfield, said an internal investigation into the fire is being conducted.
He added that changes will “definitely” be made as he admitted that “a couple of things could have been done slightly better” when the fire brigade arrived.
The trust has asked people to donate replacement items or much-needed funds. via the charity’s Amazon wishlist. Cash donations will also be welcomed. Search Wildwood Trust Fire Appeal on Amazon or visit wildwoodtrust.org.