In 2018 we began the mammoth task of completely renovating our little reptile area. In 1992, once planning permission had been granted, the reptile area was the first building to be constructed. At 26 years old, it is well in need of a re-vamp. The new reptile area will see larger and more keeper friendly housing for our reptiles, including Sari our 14ft Burmese python, Bruce our Argus monitor and Jaffa and Kale our iguanas. The new enclosures will be larger with updates heating and lighting. Due to this project, our reptile area is currently closed. In March 2019, a terrible tragedy hit Gentleshaw. A fire, started by an electrical fault, completely devastated 3 enclosures, and took the lives of Basil the Meerkat, Todd, Thelma & Louise the Sulcata tortoises and our whole family of Fruit bats. This was a terrible blow to the sanctuary, emotionally and financially. The enclosures affected included the Meerkat houses, bat house and Wildcat enclosure. These enclosures were only 6 years old, projects already completed, with new equipment which had been working perfectly until that fateful day. Although we cannot bring back those we have loved and lost, we can dust ourselves off and look to the future. With amazing support from all over, we have put the reptile area project on hold whilst we rebuild enclosures in the area of the fire. The 3 new enclosures will be for some of our primates, wildcats and Meerkats. These project will take many months but will improve the homes of many of our residents. Check out our facebook page for up to date pictures of the work. If you would like to donate towards the projects, our PayPal button can be found on the home page.