A VETERAN zoo-keeper is faced with having to transport 1,600 rescued animals 40 miles to a new home in County Durham.

Terry Bowes, who runs an animal sanctuary for abandoned rare breeds and exotic pets in Cumbria, has to move the entire operation to a new home near Barnard Castle.

He says the prospect of moving the hundreds of animals from Wetheriggs Animal Rescue and Conservation centre in Penrith leaves him feeling like “Noah, without the ark or the water”, and is appealing for help.

“This is a massive operation,” he said.

“We went through the floods last winter, but now we have to move without an ark or even water. Thankfully we have some people to help but we need more.”

The task is made more difficult as many of the animals in Mr Bowes’ charge are potentially deadly.

Snakes, spiders and lizards are brought to him by police after being confiscated by forces all over England and Scotland.

He also gathers exotic creatures from Customs and Excise officers thwarting smugglers at airports.

Rare breeds of pigs, terrapins and chickens which go out of fashion and injured British wild-life add to the menagerie.

Wetheriggs was set up seven years ago by Mr Bowes, who has spent 45 of his 64 years as a zoo-keeper.

On average he manages about 200 new arrivals a week at the centre, which is run by one full-time member of staff, four apprentices and more than 40 volunteers.

About 70 animals a week are found new homes with other zoos, animal collections or private homes. The sanctuary welcomes about 30,000 visitors a year, which helps finance its work.

The property company which owns the site has now put it up for sale. Mr Bowes had hoped to raise £500,000 to buy the site outright, but instead he has now found a new home at Thorpe Farm at Greta Bridge near Barnard Castle.

It includes 35-acres of grassland paddocks, woods, ponds and buildings that are being converted into hot-houses for lizards, bats and snakes.

It is owned by former pig farmer Paul Barken who now runs a caravan park next door.

Mr Bowes added: “The new site at Thorpe Farm Centre promises to be flowing with milk and honey, the only problem is a lot of animal enclosures need to be built.

“Wetheriggs Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre is quite a unique charity in that it rescues wildlife, exotics and farm animals (everything except domestic cats and dogs).

“To accomplish the move and construct animal enclosures will prove to be a gigantic task, maybe not quite as big as Noah’s, but huge none the less. We need help.”

He has to complete the move by the end of October. Anyone who can help, can contact Mr Bowes on 07764 352835.