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

Situated at the Evesham Country Park, Twyford, the family-run sanctuary officially closed its doors on Tuesday, March 6, much to the disappointment of 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 due to land owners Eagle One not including the sanctuary in its plans for major expansion.

They say that the “unreasonable” land owners have effectively forced them out, which has meant trying to find new homes for their 300-plus animals.

Andrew Hay explained the discussions he had with Eagle One when he took over the Ark.

He 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 we were told 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 we made 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 buying the Ark the Hay’s purchased a zoo licence and built new paths for the sanctuary.

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 say they were told the Ark was not part of the expansion plans.

Mr Hay said: “They were basically saying we had to go and they weren’t going to reimburse us.

“Eagle One has sunk the Ark.

“We feel they have been unreasonable.

“It has financially crippled us. Personally it has cost us £50,000. The Ark has finished.”

Mrs Hay, who ran the park with five staff who have also lost their jobs, said: “I think the animals will be OK. It has made me feel awful. We are deflated.”

l Several attempts have been made to contact Eagle One but no response has been received at the time of going to press.