A WILDLIFE park is raising funds that are urgently needed to protect the livelihood of its animals and continue its conservation work.

Lake District Wildlife Park is under threat during the Covid-19 pandemic after long periods of closure — and says the animal welfare sector in general is in “a state of crisis” due to a lack of readily available support.

Keepers are unable to be furloughed due to their key work caring for animals, but the park is not producing income whilst the nation is in full lockdown.

The Keswick-based wildlife park is asking for donations to its online fundraiser.

The Crowdfunder campaign has already raised £9,188 from the community’s generosity, with a target of £10,000.

Park Manager at Lake District Wildlife Park, Richard Robinson, said “Now more than ever we need to support the welfare of our animals to prevent further devastation from the pandemic”.

Mr Robinson added: “The smallest donations add up to make a real difference for the park, so we’re kindly asking the public to help our where they can and help our beautiful species survive these worrying times.”

Lake District Wildlife Park’s 24 acres of land includes some of the world’s endangered species.

Staff of the wildlife park are using their protected animals to provide a learning experience to children with hopes to “enrich the lives of the local community.”

The park’s education programme has recently been updated for the 2020-21 academic year and places science and cross-curricular work at the forefront, aiming to facilitate all ages and abilities from nursery to KS4 students.

The park has issued a stark warning: “Without vital donations, many of these services and their stunning species will be permanently lost.”

To support, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/our-animals-conservation-in-the-lakes-need-you