Secret World has admitted its first Otter of 2009. The young male, who has since been named Afon which is Welsh for River, was originally admitted to Bush House Veterinary Group in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

The vets were keen for him to go somewhere with experience of caring for Otters, so contacted Secret World. Within half an hour one of the charity's volunteers who were handily based near Swansea were on route to pick the orphaned cub up. They got him as far as the Severn crossing, at which point they passed him onto another couple of Secret World volunteers who got Afon down to the rescues centre in Highbridge, Somerset. There was some concern that one of his rear legs may have been broken, but during examination it was discovered that the lack of mobility shown was just due to his young age, which has been estimated to be around 6-7 weeks.

Afon is now being hand reared on Esbilac (a puppy milk formula) by one of Secret World's animal care team. and he will be going home with his carer over the weekend to ensure that he is getting the necessary round-the-clock attention. We hope to be able to update with more news and in a few days.

This Otter has come to Secret World just as the charity is getting a lot of media coverage concerning the difficulties it is facing in the current economic climate. In the last couple of months Secret World has seen a shortfall of around £50,000 on the donations coming in, and with the number of animals being brought to the centre actually increasing, times are very difficult.

Every penny really does count, so if you are able to support Secret World you can donate securely on line at http://www.justgiving.com/secretworld/donate/.

Many thanks from all the staff, volunteers and of course animals at Secret World Wildlife Rescue

The dates for the 2009 Secret World Open Weekends have been confirmed. Don't miss these opportunities to come and learn more about the work that Secret World performs, and meet some of the animals that we care for!

Badger Bonanza Open Weekend – 10am to 4pm, April 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th 2009
Come and see the orphaned badger cubs that Secret World are caring for, as well our resident animals, local crafts, ferret racing, and much much more. No admission charge but we do ask for a donation to the charity.

Wildlife Babies Open Weekend – 10am to 4pm, May 23rd, 24th & 25th 2009
Don’t miss the chance to learn about the work that Secret World carries out, and meet some of the animals that are being cared for. No admission charge but we do ask for a donation to the charity.

Nature’s Hunters Open Weekend – 10am to 4pm, June 27th & 28th 2009
Visitors that visit Secret World for this Open Weekend will meet, and learn about, some of UK wildlife’s most effective predators. With plenty of other activities throughout the day, including ferret racing, this is always a popular event in the Secret World calendar. No admission charge but we do ask for a donation to the charity.

Tortoises & Hedgehogs Open Weekend – 10am to 4pm, July 25th & 26th 2009
Celebrating two very popular animals, this is your chance to come and meet Hedgehogs & Tortoises, and learn all about them. There will also be a chance to learn about the work that Secret World performs, meet some of the resident animals, and watch some spectacular ferret racing. No admission charge but we do ask for a donation to the charity.

Animal Antics Open Weekend – 10am to 4pm, August 23rd, 24th & 25th 2009
Bringing a close to Secret World’s open weekends for another year, this event celebrates the diverse range of animals that gets cared for at Secret World. With plenty of events and activities to keep you and the family entertained, don’t miss this chance to visit Secret World. No admission charge but we do ask for a donation to the charity.

Merry Christmas and thank you to you all, from the staff, volunteers and animals at Secret World

Are you brave enough to brave a dip in the bracing Lyme Regis sea?
This sponsored event is a great way to blow away the festive cobwebs!
For more information, or to reserve your space, contact Debbie at Secret World

Secret World has launched a membership club for children aged 4 to 12 years, with education concerning wildlife, environment and conservation at its core.

For just £15 per year
The children will receive:
Introductory Stationary Pack
Membership Certificate
Membership Badge
4 newsletters per year
Birthday and Christmas greetings

There will also be opportunities to come to the centre for activity days, Cygnets club merchandise and competitions, fascinating facts and things to do at home.

To join the club, or for more details, call 01278 783250 or e-mail Danni@secretworld.org

NB. All Cygnets Club members will be required to have an e-mail address to recieve club correspondence.

Secret World's Hedgehog & Tortoise Weekend
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July
10am to 4pm
No admission charge, we just ask for a donation to the charity.

Lots of things to see and do including;
Hedgehogs
Tortoises
Birds of Prey
Foxes
Goats
Big Badger Brother
Ferret Racing
Kids Zone
Much much more

Would you like to take part in a fun packed fundraising event for Secret World Wildlife Rescue?

On Saturday 2nd August we are hosting our first ever ‘It’s a Knockout’ at the Oak Tree Arena in Highbridge. This event will last all day and will include a number of games, some including water and foam!

You can either enter as an individual for just £50, or as a team of 8 to 10 people for £500. This can be paid for yourself, raised through sponsorship, or a combination of the two.

For more information, contact Jamie at Secret World on 01278 783250 or e-mail jamie@secretworld.org

Secret World is open this weekend (June 28th & 29th) for it's Nature's Hunters Event.

With many attractions, including Duma & Dakota, two North American Wolves from the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, this will be a great day out for the whole family.

Open Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

No admission charge, we just ask that you make a donation to the charity.

Hope to see you there!
Secret World

Here's a link to a four minute promotional video about Secret World. It was originally designed to be viewed by potential corporate supporters of the charity, but works as a great general introduction.

If anyone is interested in supporting Secret World, maybe taking part in a fundraising event (Barn Dance, It's a Knockout etc), or if you know of a company that might want to supprt a charity, contact us at enquiries@secretworld.org

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1549584347&channel=1126366314