A LIMERICK organisation which rescues native and endangered animals may have to give up after 12 years, as money is running out. Animal Magic, based in Kilmallock, has rescued thousands of animals in its 12 years in operation but now Denis McCarthy and Rosie Cambell, the couple behind the service, may have to quit as Denis is being made redundant from his ‘day’ job. Last year alone, the pair spent €20,000 of their own money rescuing and rehabilitating 200 wild birds, hedgehogs, birds of prey and other native animals. They have even rescued and adopted exotic pets, including a Boa Constrictor and a Burmese Python.
The couple have developed a roadshow featuring some of the unusual animals which they have adopted after rescue and they bring this to summer fairs and events to help raise money to fund the service. But the money still falls well short of what is needed.
“There’s feed and accommodation, medicines and vets’ bills, even driving to collect injured animals is a cost and we just can’t sustain it now that Denis is being made redundant,” Rosie explained.
“Then there is the cost of looking after them while they recover and learn to fend for themselves again.
“If a bird of prey breaks a wing you can’t just release it once that’s healed. You have to make sure it is able to hunt and feed itself and with a lot of species, you have to find the right habitat to release them”.
The organisation has had small amounts in grant money from time to time, but this is quickly eaten up in expenses and is not a regular income.
That the wild creatures who depend on them will be lost without their help is borne out by the fact that the couple’s home in Askeaton is currently jam packed with animals.
“We have one bird in the utility room and an injured short-eared owl in our shower tray – everywhere else is full”.
The frequency with which certain species are injured also highlights the need for the service which Animal Magic provides.
“There are only around 300 pairs of Barn Owls in the country and we had eight of them with us in two months because they were injured. It’s unthinkable that we not do this work but we have to consider that now. it’s looking like we have no choice”.
