Watch dream come true as exotic animal rescue charity moves into new transformational home and opens to public
Founders of the region’s only exotic wildlife rescue charity, Richmond Exotics, have said “it’s a dream come true” after finally being able to move into and open their new centre, meaning they can now rescue and rehome more discarded animals.
For the last two years, Richmond Exotics has been operating out of couple Chris and Becky Richmond’s Washington home.
With 80 rescued animals in their care and a waiting list of 40, Becky’s parents had also been taking snakes and other exotic animals into their home.
After being approached by Clays Garden Centre in Washington, offering them use of one of their outbuildings, the overjoyed couple still had to face the obstacle of licensing red-tape and funding the relocation.
However, with their licence updated and sufficient funding secured, the couple will officially welcome their first visitors today (April 11) who will be able to see Bob the red iguana, Cuddles the royal python, and Stumpy the bearded dragon, as well as an array of other lizards, tortoises, and arachnids.
Charity founder Becky said: “This really is a dream come true for me and Chris and will be transformative for the charity.
“This is what we dreamed of when we launched the charity two-and-a-half years ago and it’s amazing for the rescue centre to now have its own home.
“This means more space for our animals and we’re in a position to carry-out more emergency rescues. In time, we will also be able to take in the 40 animals currently on our waiting list.
“The footfall of people coming into the centre will allow us to achieve our main goal which is to rehome these animals. People being able to see these animals in real life will allow them to fall in love with them and want to adopt.
“It’s much better than just seeing them in a photograph.”
Whilst the new centre will not charge an entrance fee, people visiting Richmond Exotics will have the chance to donate to the charity’s cause.
Becky said: “This will make a massive difference to generating income for the charity, enabling us to build new enclosures, pay vet bills, and cover the electricity costs for the lighting and heating.”
Becky hopes in time the centre will become a focal point for the community.
She added: “Education is a big part of what we do and we hope to run sessions for local schools, including children with special educational needs and disabilities as well as adults with disabilities.
“We also hope to offer opportunities for people to volunteer.”
The charity hopes the rescue centre will prove to be mutually beneficial for the charity and the garden centre.
Becky said: “Clays have been fantastic and so supportive in making this happen. Hopefully people visiting the Garden Centre will pop-in and see the animals looking for a home.”
The move means Becky’s mam Elaine Allen, who will be volunteering at the centre, can get “most” of her home back.
Elaine said: “It’s absolutely amazing to see Becky and Chris find a home for their rescue centre.”
The charity opens its doors to the public at 9am on Saturday April 11 and will have the same opening hours as Clays Garden Centre; 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Anyone interested in adopting an animal can contact Becky at the charity’s new home or via their website.
The charity are still fundraising via their GoFundMe page to help cover ongoing costs.