A FARM has called on the community to help care for its animals by donating funds to an appeal launched after it had to close its doors because of coronavirus restrictions.

Miller’s Ark Animals has been running near Hook since 1991, offering farm open days and visits in the community.

However, all this had to come to an abrupt stop last week as the government issued new advice regarding socialising with others as the spread of coronavirus continues.

As a result, the farm now has no money coming in to care for its animals, and has called on the public to help save them.

Elizabeth Miller, who owns the farm, said: “We need to feed and care for them now that we have no money coming in. Before this Covid-19 crisis we funded their food, shelter, vet bills and daily care by organising farm open days and our mobile farm.

“Miller’s Ark Animals has been part of the community since 1991 with generations of families enjoying and sharing our passion for friendly farm animals, at schools, nurseries, residential homes and hospices. Devastatingly, all this is stopping overnight. So, our money will run out very quickly.”

The farm has estimated that a minimum of £30,000 could see them through the next three months, and are exploring various avenues to keep the animals fed and loved.

Elizabeth said the support of the community would be vital to allow Miller’s Ark Animals to continue.

Within days of launching, the GoFundMe page has raised more than £5,000 from more than 250 supporters.

Elizabeth said: “We are overwhelmed by the response and cannot tell you how much it lifts our hearts and gives us hope.”

She added: “Our hope is to raise enough money to ensure we can look after the animals properly and resume our Mobile Farm, therapy sessions with animals and farm open days after this crisis has passed.”

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-miller039s-ark-from-sinking.