Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC - APES News #UpdateAssociation of Protecting Exotic Species CIC - APES News #Updatehttps://www.apes.org.uk/news/tag/updateWed, 01 Apr 2026 09:11:45 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[APES Announces Temporary Closure During Relocation and Urgent Enclosure Appeal]]>https://www.apes.org.uk/news/post/apes-announces-temporary-closure-during-relocation-and-urgent-enclosure-appealAPES will be temporarily closed to the public while relocating. New Warrington location announced 16 March with urgent fundraising for resident outdoor enclosures.]]>

A Temporary Closure While We Relocate

The Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC would like to inform supporters and visitors that our facility will be closed to the public from today until 21 March 2026 while we complete an important relocation.

Relocating a rescue and rehabilitation facility requires careful planning, safe transport procedures, and preparation of appropriate enclosures before animals can be settled.

During this short closure period our team will be focused entirely on safely relocating our residents and preparing the new site so that operations can resume responsibly.

Public access will reopen once relocation work has been completed.

Temporary Operational Base in St Helens

Our temporary operational base will be located in St Helens.


APES will be relocating to a temporary operational site in St Helens which will allow our rescue and rehabilitation work to continue while longer term plans are finalised.


The exact address will be released at the beginning of next week on 16 March 2026 so supporters can prepare for our reopening.


This temporary facility ensures our work protecting exotic species can continue without interruption during this transition period.

A Possible Permanent Home in Warrington

While the St Helens site will support our work in the short term, we are also preparing for what may become our next long term facility.


A separate unit located in Warrington is currently being prepared and repaired by the landlord.


The building requires roof repairs before it can meet the operational standards required for an exotic species rescue facility.


Once this work is completed and inspected, the Warrington site may become a permanent operational home for APES.


This staged approach allows animal welfare to remain the priority while infrastructure improvements are completed.

Our responsibility is to ensure every animal in our care remains safe, stable, and properly accommodated during periods of change.

Urgent Support Needed For Outdoor Enclosures

Relocation presents additional welfare challenges, particularly when animals require specialised outdoor environments.


During the move we must urgently construct two outdoor enclosures for some of our most important residents.


Outdoor environments are critical for enrichment, natural behaviour, and recovery.


Without suitable outdoor space these animals may experience stress or reduced welfare during the transition.


Providing these enclosures ensures they continue to receive the care environment they require.

Immediate Welfare Priority

Two outdoor enclosures must be built quickly so that key residents can maintain access to safe outdoor environments during relocation.

Community support will directly protect their wellbeing.

How You Can Support This Work

Relocating a rescue organisation involves transport preparation, enclosure construction, safety inspections, and site preparation.

Community support allows us to respond quickly to these welfare needs.


If you would like to support the construction of these outdoor spaces, please consider contributing to our fundraising campaign.

Donate To The Outdoor Enclosure Fund

What Happens Next

Supporters can expect the following timeline.


Now until 21 March 2026
Public access temporarily paused while relocation work takes place.


16 March 2026
Temporary St Helens location address released.


21 March 2026
Reopening to visitors once animals are safely settled.

During this time we will continue to provide updates through our website and official communication channels.

Relocation Update Summary

Public closure period

From today until 21 March 2026


Temporary operational site
St Helens


Address release
16 March 2026


Potential permanent facility
Warrington subject to building repairs


Urgent priority
Outdoor enclosure construction for two residents

Our Commitment To Welfare

Relocation is never a simple task for an animal rescue organisation.


However every decision made by APES is guided by one principle.


Animal welfare must always come first.


Our team remains committed to providing safe rehabilitation environments, responsible exotic species care, and long term welfare solutions for animals that need protection.


We appreciate the patience and continued support of our community during this transition.

]]>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:48:35 +0000<![CDATA[Important Update: Temporary Move & What It Means for You]]>https://www.apes.org.uk/news/post/important-update-temporary-move-what-it-means-for-youAPES CIC is temporarily relocating to a nearby residential property while continuing the search for a permanent premises. During this interim period, animal surrenders and pet care clinic services will operate by appointment only, with no walk-in clinic availability.]]>

We want to update our supporters, followers, and professional partners on our current situation.


Despite sustained efforts, we have not yet secured a permanent premises for APES CIC. We know many of you have been asking, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement while we continue this search.


However, we are pleased to share that our landlord β€” who is also an estate agent working with other landlords β€” has worked constructively with us to arrange a temporary solution. This cooperation has allowed us to remain operational while we continue to secure a long-term home.

πŸ“ We Are Moving β€” Just Down the Road

We will be relocating to a house nearby as an interim base. This move allows us to maintain continuity of care for the exotic species we protect, while we continue negotiations and searches for a permanent facility better suited to our work.

🐾 Service Changes During This Interim Period

While our mission and commitment remain unchanged, there will be some necessary adjustments to how we operate.


Appointments Only

  • Animal surrenders – by appointment only

  • Pet care clinic appointments – by appointment only

  • No walk-in clinic or surrender services until we secure permanent premises

This is purely due to the practical limitations of operating from a residential property.


Walk-Ins Still Welcome For:

  • Animal viewings

  • Rescue intakes (emergency situations should still contact us first)

We are working hard to balance accessibility with compliance and operational safety.

πŸ›οΈ Pet Shop Update

Our physical shop space will be significantly limited.


We will continue to stock for walk-in purchase:

  • Live food

  • Frozen food

  • Substrates

  • A small selection of essential items


For the majority of products, we will be asking all customers to please order online via:

πŸ‘‰ www.apesshop.co.uk

Options available:

  • Click & Collect

  • Local Delivery

  • Postal Delivery (where applicable)


Moving purchases online allows us to continue generating vital income that directly funds rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy work.

Looking Ahead

This is a temporary measure β€” not a step back.


Our search for a permanent, fit-for-purpose premises continues. Securing the right location is critical to expanding our services, improving public access, and strengthening our long-term impact.


We will release further updates and practical information β€” including moving dates and appointment booking details β€” very soon.

Thank You

Transitions like this are never simple. But with your continued support, we remain operational, focused, and committed to protecting exotic species responsibly and professionally.


If you have questions, or would like to support our search for a permanent premises, please get in touch.

More updates coming shortly.

]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:33:01 +0000<![CDATA[Heartfelt Update on Our Relocation Journey]]>https://www.apes.org.uk/news/post/Heartfelt-Update-on-Our-Relocation-Journey

Heartfelt Update on Our Relocation Journey πŸ’”πŸ πŸΎ



Dear APES Family and Supporters,


As your dedicated UK-based Community Interest Company leading the charge in exotic species welfare, the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC (APES CIC) continues our unwavering commitment to evidence-led advocacy, compassionate rescue, preventative education, and meaningful reform. We exist to protect vulnerable endangered wildlife, guide responsible ownership, and build a brighter future for biodiversity. Today, with heavy hearts but unbreakable hope, we're sharing an honest and emotional update on our urgent relocation. πŸ₯Ίβ€οΈ


A Painful Setback in Our Search for a Safe Home πŸ˜”

We poured everything into pursuing what felt like the perfect premises in St Helens – a space that promised better biosecurity, improved animal care facilities, full accessibility, and the stability our rescued animals so desperately deserve. We were so close... viewing arranged, discussions underway, dreams of a fresh start alive and glowing. ✨


But unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. πŸ’” The owner ultimately chose to sell to a buyer rather than rent to us. This heartbreaking decision leaves us still searching, with our fixed deadline of 3 March 2026 approaching far too quickly.


Hearing this news felt like a punch to the gut. We know how much is at stake – the beautiful exotic animals who trust us every single day, the over 20 students whose futures in animal welfare hang in the balance, and the countless lives we've touched through education, rescue, and advocacy. The thought of any disruption to their care brings tears to our eyes. 🐍🦎🐒😒


But We Will NOT Give Up – Our Mission Is Too Important! πŸ’ͺ❀️

We refuse to let this setback stop us. Our team is searching tirelessly, exploring every possible option, and fighting with every ounce of determination to find a new home that meets our high welfare standards. We remain focused on the St Helens area to keep our community close and our care uninterrupted.


This journey has tested us, but your incredible support has kept us standing strong. Every message of encouragement, every shared post, every donation, they remind us why we do this. Together, we protect the voiceless, prevent crises before they start, and push for systemic change in exotic species protection. You are our strength. πŸ™πŸ’¬


Why This Matters So Deeply for the Animals We Love 🐾🌍

Exotic species face unimaginable challenges, habitat loss, illegal trade, misunderstanding. They need safe, enriched environments with expert care, proper ventilation, biosecurity, and space to thrive. A stable new base means we can rescue more, educate wider, and advocate louder for ethical, welfare-first practices that align with UK laws and global conservation goals.


Your help today ensures we can continue being that beacon of hope and reform, because these incredible creatures deserve nothing less. ❀️


Please Stand With Us – Your Support Means Everything Right Now πŸ€²πŸ’–

We are still in urgent need of donations to cover deposits, essential adaptations, transport, and setup costs for wherever our new home may be. Every single pound brings us closer to security and continued impact.


If this cause touches your heart, please visit our special appeal page and give what you can: https://www.apes.org.uk/help-us-move πŸ πŸ’°

Even small, regular donations create sustainable growth and power our preventative education work. Share this with friends, family, or fellow animal lovers, your voice amplifies ours! πŸ“£πŸΎ


Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts for standing with APES during this emotional chapter. We are hopeful, we are resilient, and with you by our side, we will find our way forward. Together, we build a stronger, kinder future for exotic wildlife. 🌟🐾


More updates soon, stay close. We love you all.


With endless gratitude and determination, The APES CIC Team 🫢


This update is shared for transparency and community support. APES CIC operates fully in line with UK regulations as a Community Interest Company. Donations support public benefit activities in exotic species welfare.

Donate
Help Us Move
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