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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st May 2013
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Anniversary for Malawi's only wildlife centre
Special visit from patrons to mark occasion

Malawi's only wildlife rescue, conservation and education centre marked its fifth anniversary with a special visit from two of its patrons.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre welcomed HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, and Born Free Foundation's Founder, Virginia McKenna, on May 17.

The centre, which has cared for over 400 animals, works directly with Malawi's Department of Parks and Wildlife as the country's first port of call for any wildlife emergency.

Over the past five years it has rescued animals from illegal trade, as well as injured or orphaned animals, and provided expert care and rehabilitation.

Speaking on the day, Ms McKenna commented: "Before Lilongwe Wildlife Centre existed, the illegal pet trade and bushmeat poaching in Malawi were widespread. There was nowhere for orphaned and injured wildlife to go.

"Now, thanks to the hard work of the caring and loyal team at the centre, hundreds of animals have been rescued and rehabilitated and many have been released back into the wild where they belong."

Adding to Ms McKenna's comments, Prince Richard said Lilongwe Wildlife Centre's achievements over the past five years are "quite astounding".

"In addition to all the wild animals they have saved, they have established themselves as the country's leading environmental education resource, inspiring nearly 100,000 children who have visited the centre or who have taken part in their outreach programmes."

He continued: "By embracing local community needs and working within the national curriculum, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is working to forge a harmonious future for both people and wildlife."

Image: Children celebrating at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.