THE owners of the Ark Animal Sanctuary in Evesham have spoken of their sadness after its shock closure.

Located at the Evesham Country Park, Twyford, the family-run sanctuary has now closed its doors, much to the disappointment of the many animal lovers who regularly visited. The Hay family, who have run the Ark since September 2008, say that the reason for the closure was the landowner’s plans for a major expansion.

They say that the “unreasonable”

landowners have effectively forced them out which has meant trying to find new homes for their 300 plus animals – some of which have been temporarily relocated to other sanctuaries.

Andrew Hay said: “My wife Christine, children and grandchildren regularly visited the Ark and when she heard it was on sale we met with the current owners.

“During talks it was our understanding that expansion plans would mean the Ark was relocated but within the same site [at the country park] and that we would be reimbursed for any changes by Eagle One.

“There was a clause with a 28-day notice period but we agreed this as we didn’t think it would be used.”

After purchasing the Ark, the Hays bought a zoo licence and built new paths at the site. The following year, when proposals were submitted to expand the park, Mr and Mrs Hay thought the Ark was included.

However, in October last year, they were told that the Ark did not form part of the plans for the park.

“They were basically saying we had to go,” said Mr Hay. “It has financially crippled us. It has cost us £50,000.

The Ark has finished.”

• The Journal attempted to contact Eagle One, but received no response at the time of going to press.