Andy Bilsborough, manager, says it has only made £100 in the past six weeks and is struggling to pay vets' bills and rent.  The latest creature to need care was a badly hurt Short-eared Owl from the Scottish island of Sanday.

Andy sent volunteer Stephen Crook to collect the bird, whose species is on the amber list for conservation.  Andy said: "Ian arranged for the bird to be transported on an overnight ferry to Aberdeen.

"Our very helpful volunteer, Stephen, went on the long drive to meet the ship. It cost us £200 for the fuel and overnight accommodation for him to be at the dockside at 6.30am one morning.  The bird was then rushed to a specialist vets in Lytham where it was diagnosed as having a severe broken wing."

Its bones had calcified, so an operation was carried out to shorten them in the hope they would heal and the owl would be able to fly.

Andy said: "She is recovering and eating well but we have to wait three weeks before we know if the expensive operation has been a success."

The sanctuary is holding a photography day on February 20 with flying displays and picture opportunities.

Tickets cost £10 per person or £20 for a family ticket.

Outdoor clothing will also be displayed by Paramo, a company which donated jackets and trousers to senior volunteers.

For more information, call 01772 323 323.

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Viewed: 82 TimesDate: 17/02/2010