Photo: Max Pixel

Safe Haven owner Marc Harris hopes people will support the work the centre is doing to rescue unwanted reptiles.Picture: Andy Keeble

Crowdfunder launched as number of abandoned animals continues to mount.

Romeo and Juliet, two rescued bearded dragons at Safe Haven Exotics

A North Devon reptile zoo and re-homing centre has warned it may have to close because it is struggling to fund the work it does to rehabilitate and rescue unwanted exotic pets.

Safe Haven Exotics has been running since 2009 but relocated to bigger premises near Bishops Tawton in August 2015; it is one of a few reptile rescues in the country and currently cares for more than 300 reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, tortoises, iguanas and chameleons.

The not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) has launched a crowdfunding page and hopes to raise £30,000 by June 24.

Owners Marc and Leanne Harris run educational workshops, keeper experiences, sponsorship programmes and even host children’s birthday parties at the centre in a bit to fund the work it does.

Photo: Max Pixel

Photo: Max Pixel

Safe Haven Exotics owner Marc Harris with bearded dragons Romeo and Juliet.

“Despite everything we are currently doing, we still don’t have enough funds coming in compared to the expenses going out,” said Leanne.

“We are at risk of losing it all and having to close as we cannot find anywhere that will fund animal rescues.

“As you can imagine, if costs a lot to care for all the animals we have and still coming in weekly.

“Currently our food bill a month is £940, our electric averages £800 a month but both of these increases with every animal that comes in.

Photo: Max Pixel

Safe Haven Exotics, near Barnstaple, rescues abandoned reptiles.

“Our vet bills are always different depending on circumstances.On top of these we have to buy light bulbs, UV tubes, substrate, vitamin powders, treatments etc.”

“So this is where you come in; we are asking for anything that you can spare, no matter how small an amount, it will all help.

“Any money raised will go towards keeping our centre open and caring for these animals.”

Since opening in North Devon, Safe Haven has seen a huge intake of creatures needing rescue, including more than 40 in the first six months. All but four of those animals were taken in from homes in the South West.

In February, the centre said it was unable to take in any more animals because it had reached financial capacity and called for regulation on the ownership of exotic animals.

Photo: Max Pixel