November 15, 2019 2.01 pm This story is over 52 months old

Ark wildlife park saves animals from Boston floods

Staff needed to act fast by digging trenches and build walls with sandbags
Tanukis at the park have been checking out the flood waters. Photo: Ark Wildlife Park

A wildlife park in Boston had to make desperate attempts to save its animals from flood water creeping into enclosures.

Staff at Ark Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Sanctuary needed to dig trenches and build walls with sandbags on Thursday evening.

As a result of the flooding, they have seen a drop in visitor numbers and a sharp increase in maintenance costs.

The wildlife park set up a fundraising page to try and keep the Ark afloat, where people have already donated over £200.

The floods started outside but has made its way into enclosures.

Jamie Mintram, 44, told Lincolnshire Reporter: “It all got a bit too much last night. Panic definitely set in when we were digging the trenches.

“We have been trying to get someone out to the drain nearby which seems to be blocked and overflowing into the park but nobody has been out so far.

“What’s important is that the animals are safe for now but it’s going to be tough if we see anymore rain over the coming days.”

Earlier this year, the wildlife park made an emotional announcement when one of their rescue parrots fell victim to the flooding.

As well as money, the wildlife park’s owners have asked for any shops nearby to donate any shavings and animal food that they can.