A coronavirus update from S.O.S. Director, Chris Astridge
As Director and a Trustee of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary I would like to tell you about the activities of the charity during the current pandemic lockdown, which I hope will be of interest to the many visitors, donors and volunteers who have supported us in so many ways over the years.
I would also would like to explain the consequences of the predicament we now find ourselves in as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
A sooty tawny owl cared for in our raptor hospital here at SOS
What does S.O.S. do?
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary was established in 2001. Its primary objectives are to promote the need for the conservation of Britain’s wild owls and other birds of prey; to provide rescue, relief and protection for sick and injured wild raptors; and to offer a range of educational resources to schools that encourage the importance of wildlife conservation amongst young people.
Together with the Thornham Owl Project. S.O.S. also helps maintain a network of nearly 300 wild owl nest boxes; participates in conservation schemes for endangered species; and promotes information nationally about our native species through our “Saving Britain’s Owls” initiative. Finally we also aim to provide a unique, informative, friendly and enjoyable experience for those who visit us at our Stonham Aspal headquarters.
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary works in conjunction with Thornham Owl Project to provide materials, transport and manpower to maintain and monitor nearly 300 wild owl nest boxes in the region
Life Under Lockdown
Since the U.K. outbreak of the coronavirus disease in March, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has been in a state of “suspended animation”. Unable to welcome visitors to the centre, much of what we do is being continued behind closed doors. This includes the rescue, veterinary attention, medication and rehabilitation of the injured wild birds that pass through our hospital together with the husbandry needs - feeding, cleaning, care and exercising - of the many captive-bred birds in the education and flying teams resident at Stonham.
In addition, many of the birds have started to lay eggs as the breeding season gets underway, each one demanding the daily attention of our experienced falconry team. At the same time the security and safe structure of the centre needs to be maintained.
With the indispensable needs for our wildlife continuing but the effect of the pandemic rolling on, we sadly do not foresee opening the doors of S.O.S. to the public until July at the earliest, when social distancing and sanitising precautions have been put in place to maintain the health and safety of visitors, staff & volunteers.
A pair of rescued barn owl chicks - one of them rather shy - here at SOS. Currently we are witnessing an upsurge of orphaned Tawny Owls and, as the roads become busier again, an increase in RTA (road traffic accident) cases.
What’s the problem?
Nationally recognised, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary provides a unique and valuable resource to the community at large.
Unfortunately, during ‘life under lockdown’ the major expenses of running the Sanctuary have been met in full at a time when our income has diminished drastically. This is because we have received no income from visitors since the end of March and are now unlikely to do so until Summer is almost over, at the earliest - a time when we normally generate a substantial proportion of the funding necessary to sustain our activities throughout the year. Our concerns are for our very survival through the winter and into 2021.
May/June is the time of year when orphaned owls start to make their way to us, as in this quartet of beautiful young tawny owls shown the day before their release back to the wild.
Onwards & Upwards
Thanks to the very much appreciated generosity of our supporters, the response to our “Save Our Sanctuary” appeal has so far significantly helped us bridge our immediate financial shortcomings, helping towards the expense of feeding, caring for & cleaning our birds and animals together with the veterinary services & medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital.
The donations have also contributed towards the cost of staff, rent, materials and utilities during the lockdown period and have made a positive difference to our abilities to continue our work behind closed doors. We are immensely grateful for them and take this opportunity to thank all those who have made a contribution.
However, now the prospect of a prolonged summer closure means we need to raise funding to look after birds who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment. Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise.
A few pounds a month to our “Onwards & Upwards” survival fund will help us
to do this.
You can contribute by becoming a Friend of S.O.S., adopting an owl, making a donation to the hospital, veterinary and medication expenses or sponsoring a wild owl nest box. Whatever form of donation you choose comes with the flexibility of contributing whatever you would like, when you like. Be assured your donation will make a world of difference… and a difference to our world.
Finally, on behalf of the Trustees of Suffolk Owl Sanctuary I would like to thank our loyal, hard working and ever diligent and compassionate employees and volunteers who have worked in much-reduced teams above-&-beyond during the past months to keep S.O.S. running. Job well done!
You can find out more about S.O.S. by visiting our home page or by dropping us an email with any questions you may have. Meanwhile, thank you for your attention, stay well and please take care in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Chris Astridge
Director
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary