EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES (Suffolk, UK) 16 July 07 Reptile centre bids to raise vital funds (Annie Davidson)
An open day at a reptile rescue centre has raised hundreds of pounds to help keep the unit open.
Di's Reptile Centre in Stour View Close, Mistley, opened its doors to the public on Saturday and let people get close to its 85 residents which include a 15ft Burmese Python, a collared lizard and four Boa Constrictors.
Owner Diana Butcher said it was hoped the centre, which she has run for five years, could be awarded charity status to help reduce its running costs.
She said the open day gave people a chance to see what the centre did and also resulted in four people joining up as members.
A total of £500 was raised which will go towards running costs including a quarterly electricity bill of £130 to keep the animals warm and £45 a week just on food for the 30 Baby Royal Pythons.
Ms Butcher said she hoped the day would also bring forward more volunteers to help with caring for the animals and jobs such as cleaning cages.
She said: “The centre covers Essex, Suffolk and Kent but my partner and I can't afford to keep subsidising it and it has been £2,000 in deficit.
“We hope to get registered as a charity but we also intend to give back to the community that supports us and help other people.
“We would like to set up a club for children and people with special needs so they can use the centre.
“The open day has helped by showing people what we do and what it is all about.”
Anyone who wishes to find out more about the rescue centre can contact Ms Butcher on 01206 390197.

http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=News&itemid=IPED15 Jul 2007 23:03:34:990

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