Heartbreak as Devon wildlife park faces imminent closure without rescue deal

Heartbreak as Devon wildlife park faces imminent closure without rescue deal Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in North Devon could close for good on Sunday, its owners said A popular north Devon wildlife park could shut its doors for good as early as Sunday. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, near Ilfracombe, said the potential closure comes after several years of "enormous financial pressures". In a Facebook post on Friday, the owners said: "Despite our best efforts, and several potential rescue deals coming very close, we’ve reached a point where continuing beyond this season may simply not be possible without new investment or a change of ownership." The 40-year-old family-run attraction is home to wolves, sea lions, Amur leopards and other wildlife, Devon Live reports. It also features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a dinosaur museum and an indoor dinosaur-themed soft-play area. In an update on Facebook on Saturday, the owners announced that they had set up a GoFundMe appeal following "many requests" from members of the public. The appeal said donations would help cover the animals' food and specialist diets, keepers' wages, veterinary care and medication, heating, electricity and enclosure maintenance. The money would also help fund the animals' safe relocation to other zoos and wildlife parks if necessary. At the time of reporting, the appeal had raised more than £3,600. In a statement on the fundraising page, the owners stressed that they "haven't given up hope" and are "exploring every opportunity to save the park", including discussions with potential buyers, investors and financial supporters. The park will remain open this weekend, and the owners said they hoped people would visit, especially given that the weather is forecast to be pleasant. "This weekend could be your last opportunity to experience the park as you’ve always known it," the owners said in their Facebook post. "Whether it’s visiting your favourite animals, enjoying a walk around the grounds or simply spending a lovely day out with family and friends, please don’t put it off." Dawn Gilbert and her husband have run the park since 2011, when she took over from her late father, Robert Butcher, who founded the attraction. The business has also expanded into accommodation to generate additional income.