Charity that connected people and animals closes

Tuesday 03 January 2023

Praise poured in for the work of The Accidental Zoo after the charity announced it was closing.

It was established four years ago and offered close-up animal experiences, with education and wellbeing at its heart.

The charity broke the news on its Facebook page.

“The charity had a wonderful journey and touched many peoples' lives for the better,” it said.

“We are grateful to have been able to connect people with the animals and the outdoors even if it was over a relatively short period of time, some really special things happened.

“Our biggest thanks go to everyone who has supported the charity over the last four years, there are so many ways in which people became involved and part of the TAZ family.  It has been an amazing community journey bringing people together from all walks of life.”

The closure, attributed to a mix of rising feed costs and personal reasons, prompted a stream of comments praising the charity’s work.

Among the organisations to speak up were Bailiwick Social Prescribing, the Job Centre, The Guernsey Employment Trust, Friends of Greenacres and Health Connections Guernsey.

The Accidental Zoo was shortlisted for the innovation award at the 2021 Guernsey Community Foundation community awards.

It cared for around 200 animals, including emus, lizards, tortoises, snakes, pigs, sheep, goats and ducks.

The charity held four open days in the summer, but on 10 October it announced it was “temporarily” suspending delivery of its health and wellbeing and education services.

In mid-December confirmed it would not be providing its usual Christmas tree collection service, nor would it in future years.