Willows Animal Sanctuary

Willows Animal Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

History

Willows Animal Sanctuary was founded, on a 54-acre plot, in 1999.[1][2]

Events since 2010

In 2011 there was concern for the finances at Willows Animal Sanctuary.[3] This was eased with patronage from Paul Rodgers[4] who arranged a number of benefit gigs to raise funds for the sanctuary, including one at the Royal Albert Hall.[5]

In 2013, Willows Animal Sanctuary returned to a farmer a lamb which he claimed was his. It had been found and rescued from drowning in a stream by a schoolgirl who subsequently requested it be homed at the sanctuary, where it had proved to be a popular animal.[6][7]

In 2015 Willows Animal Sanctuary joined with 3 other sanctuaries in the region (the New Arc centre at Ellon, the Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary at Maryculter, and Halfpenny Farm in Kintore) to form a new umbrella group called 'REACH', to stand up for the wellbeing of animals in need.[2]

Animals

Willows Animal Sanctuary permanently houses over 300 rescued animals of multiple species. ('Nearly 400' according to one source).[8] These include horses, llamas, donkeys and 55 cats.[9] Some animals from the sanctuary are used for therapy and in some cases visit local hospitals.[1]

Animal Assisted Therapy unit

Willows Animal Sanctuary's Animal Assisted Therapy unit has been in operation, working with vulnerable people,[6] in conjunction with the local authority at least since 2003.[10][11] In 2017 Willows was described as having a service level agreement with Aberdeenshire Council in this field.[12]

References

  1. 1 2 Charitable status listing for Willows Archived 26 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine oscr.org.uk accessed 26 February 2017
  2. 1 2 Blair Dingwall, May 28, 2015: Aberdeenshire animal sanctuaries caring for 1,000 animals pull together Archived 17 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news accessed 4 March 2017
  3. ↑ Victoria Weldon, 15 Oct 2011: Funding crisis sparks fear of cull at animal sanctuary Archived 25 January 2025 at the Wayback Machine www.heraldscotland.com accessed 4 March 2017
  4. ↑ 7 June 2012: Willows New Patrons – Paul Rodgers And Cynthia Kereluk Archived 18 August 2019 at the Wayback Machine aberdeenvoice.com accessed 4 March 2017
  5. ↑ 5 September 2014: Paul Rodgers Royal Albert Hall Show To Benefit Willows Archived 31 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine aberdeenvoice.com accessed 4 March 2017
  6. 1 2 23 April 2013: Rescued lamb 'River' being returned to farmer Archived 29 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine bbc.co.uk/news accessed 4 March 2017
  7. ↑ FRANK URQUHART 19 April 2013: Rescued lamb at centre of custody battle Archived 16 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine scotsman.com/news accessed 4 March 2017
  8. ↑ Willows Animal Sanctuary listing Archived 22 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine moggies.co.uk accessed 24 February 2017
  9. ↑ Willows Animal Sanctuary Archived 25 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine visitscotland.com accessed 24 February 2017
  10. ↑ Christine Cant: Committee minutes from 20/11/2003 (similar exists from 2 March 2006) noting Service Level Agreement with Willows Archived 27 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk (found via google) accessed 26 February 2017
  11. ↑ Willows Animal Sanctuary in list of Therapy units Archived 27 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 23 May 2016 grampiancaredata.gov.uk accessed 26 February 2017
  12. ↑ Articles • Lifestyle • Places • Spotlight: Willows Animal Sanctuary & Assisted Therapy Unit – Aberdeen Archived 28 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine thetartancarrot.co.uk, accessed 28 April 2018

57°35′10″N 2°09′22″W / 57.58605°N 2.15609°W / 57.58605; -2.15609