'Our birds could be euthanised if we lose centre'

The founder of a rescue centre housing more than 100 birds of prey has said she fears the birds could be euthanised if she loses the sanctuary.

Carole Rose, 70, has being running the Wild Wings Birds of Prey rescue and conservation centre in Warrington with partner Ian Middleton for the last 17 years.

Carole said she had suffered "sleepless nights and a lot of worry" for herself and the centre's team of volunteers after learning its lease would not be renewed in the long term.

Its landlords, Ribston Ltd, have been asked for comment by the BBC.

Wild Wings moved to its current base on Taylor Business Park, in Risley, nine years ago after having to uproot several times during its early years.

According to Carole, the centre is relied upon by members of the public, as well as being a contact for the RSPB and the Wildlife Crime Unit.

"The phone is ringing constantly," she explained. "We take phone calls in the middle of the night. We've had the RSPCA turn up at the house in the middle of the night.

"I don't know of any other conservation sanctuary like us, and I don't know what would happen if we weren't here."

The not-for-profit centre has now been told its lease will not be renewed in the long term, Carole said.

"It's devastating" she added. "We are settled here and have been here for nine years now and it's the longest that we've been at a site."

She said Wild Wings had been given three years to leave the site following the sale of the business park.

She said moving would be "virtually impossible" and would put the future of the sanctuary and its 100-plus birds at risk.

"It's going to cost at least £100,000 to be able to find land, get planning permission, build, and get another zoo licence while still keeping the birds here and financed," Carole said.

"We're not getting any younger.

"And having done four moves in the past, we know it's going to be virtually impossible for us to move and rebuild, health-wise and work-wise."

"We might be able to re-home some birds, but a lot of the birds that have had injuries and have got issues and things - the risk is that they will have to be euthanised," Carole said.

Carole said she had yet to hear back from Ribston Ltd.

She added: "We are prepared to buy our plot of the land, but unfortunately we have had no response from the owners.

"It feels awful to not know what the future means for these birds.

"And that's the hardest thing... not knowing."

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