Little Ray’s animal rescue at risk of closing, seeks help from public

A well-known animal rescue and reptile zoo in Hamilton says it is at risk of closing due to the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on business.

Little Ray’s Nature Centres issued a press release on Monday and asked for help from the public to avoid shutting down.

The organization has been in operation since 1995 and works with the federal and provincial governments to home animals that have been seized or abandoned. It also hosts programs that educate the public on responsible pet ownership, conservation and environmental rehabilitation.

Shane McConnell, Exhibit Director, said the pandemic has had a devastating impact on their operations. With roughly 60 per cent of their revenue made during the months of January, February and March, the lockdowns have significantly impacted their ability to make the money needed to stay open.

Little Ray’s has locations in Hamilton, Ottawa and Syracuse, NY and roughly 900 animals in its care. The organization says it can’t “simply turn off the heat and lights and wait another lockdown out.”

McConnell says the organization cannot stay open without help.

“Although the Province of Ontario seemed to do everything they could to support, Little Ray’s continues to fall through the cracks and fails to qualify for grants and programs with restrictive criteria that do not take live animal care into consideration. Even if they wanted to borrow more money there are no FedDev Ontario programs,” said McConnell.

A GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $500,000 has been started to help raise funds. It has raised just over $2,500 so far.