Heartfelt Update on Our Relocation Journey 💔🏠🐾

🚨 A Major Milestone in Our Relocation Journey

Strategic Progress Toward a Stronger Future

As part of our structured growth and infrastructure strategy, the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC (APES CIC) has identified what we believe is the right premises to support our next operational phase.

This property is not just suitable — it is strategically aligned with our long-term vision. It supports:

• Expanded, welfare-compliant rehabilitation capacity

• Purpose-built enclosures meeting regulatory standards

• Dedicated education, training, and consultation spaces

• Improved operational resilience and biosecurity

• Infrastructure capable of supporting policy engagement and preventative education

Interest in the property has been strong, with five additional viewings confirmed. We have formally submitted our application and are now awaiting the landlord’s decision.

At this stage, progression is paused — a normal and responsible part of organisational growth — and one that underscores why sustained fundraising remains essential.

💡 Why Fundraising Continues — Whatever the Outcome

Whether we secure this premises or continue our search, one reality does not change:

APES CIC must build stable, long-term infrastructure to deliver measurable welfare outcomes.

Relocation is not simply a move. It is an investment in:

• Regulatory-compliant rehabilitation facilities

• Safer intake and assessment capacity

• Preventative education and public engagement

• Policy-informed welfare standards

• Long-term operational resilience

As a CIC, APES reinvests all surpluses directly into welfare programmes, infrastructure, and sector reform.

If this premises is not secured, we will continue our search — and fundraising will remain critical to securing the right facility without compromising welfare standards.

Sustained support builds capacity, compliance, and long-term protection.

🔍 Transparency & Engagement — Recent Developments

🐒 Launch of Our Primate Sponsor Programme

We are pleased to confirm the launch of our dedicated Primate Sponsor Programme:

👉 https://www.apesshelter.org.uk/sponsor-our-primates

This programme increases transparency by sharing:

• Individual histories of our resident primates

• Their rehabilitation journeys and care needs

• Clear, structured ways supporters can contribute

Sponsorship provides predictable, sustainable funding, supporting:

• Specialist diets and enrichment

• Veterinary oversight

• Long-term care planning

APES advocates for lifetime responsibility in primate welfare — structured sponsorship reflects that commitment.

💳 Donation Infrastructure Upgrade — Now Partnered with DonorBox

We have upgraded our donation systems and are now partnered with DonorBox, a globally trusted fundraising platform.

Our updated donation pages now offer:

• Secure, encrypted payment processing

• One-off and recurring donation options

• Transparent transaction tracking

• Automated receipts for accountability

• A simplified supporter experience

This upgrade strengthens governance, improves forecasting, and supports responsible, evidence-led growth.

Recurring donations enable us to plan ahead, maintain welfare standards, and grow infrastructure sustainably.

🏡 Trial Adoptions — Fully Underway

Our Trial Adoption Programme is now operating at full capacity.

👉 https://www.apesshelter.org.uk/services/adoptions/trial-adoptions

Trial adoptions provide a structured pathway for responsible, long-term placement, including:

• Welfare-first matching

• Suitability assessments

• Professional guidance

• Clear compliance expectations

This programme reflects APES’ reform-led approach — moving beyond transactional rehoming toward safeguarded, education-led placement standards.

💙 Thank You to Our Supporters

We extend our sincere thanks to the following supporters whose generosity is directly contributing to our relocation and infrastructure development:

• Lisa Taylor – £700

• Alison Cronin – £50

• Jack Wilcox – £10

• Jacob Wilson – £20

• John Maguire – £10.67

• Pat Scott – £53.52

• Ruth Sherlock – £10.67

• Rare Candy Raffles (Ben Furlong) – £26.33

Every contribution — regardless of size — strengthens rehabilitation capacity and brings us closer to securing long-term, welfare-first premises.

We are especially grateful for the messages of encouragement shared alongside many donations. Community trust underpins everything we do.

🔮 What Happens Next?

We now await the landlord’s decision.

Regardless of the outcome, APES CIC remains committed to:

• Securing appropriate, compliant premises

• Expanding structured rehabilitation services

• Delivering preventative education

• Engaging constructively in welfare reform

• Operating transparently as a regulated CIC

This relocation marks a pivotal stage in our organisational development — one that will shape our capacity for years to come.

📊 Impact Summary

This move is not about growth for growth’s sake.

It is about:

• Raising welfare standards

• Building resilient infrastructure

• Strengthening sector leadership

• Protecting exotic species through accountable, evidence-led programmes

APES CIC remains reform-oriented, transparent, and focused on long-term public benefit.

🤝 Support the Next Phase of APES CIC

Your support directly strengthens rehabilitation programmes and helps secure compliant, welfare-first premises.

Whether through a one-off contribution or monthly support, you are investing in long-term exotic species protection.

Together, we are building a higher standard of exotic species welfare in the UK.

🔗 Suggested Internal Links

• Donate to APES CIC

• Our Mission and Governance

• Primate Sponsor Programme

• Trial Adoption Services

• Policy and Advocacy Updates

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⚖️ Compliance and Governance Note

APES CIC is a Community Interest Company operating for public benefit. All funds raised are reinvested into welfare programmes, infrastructure development, education initiatives, and responsible ownership reform.

All services operate in alignment with UK animal welfare legislation and internal safeguarding policies.

At APES Shelter & Rescue, every primate in our care has a story — and every story deserves a safe, compassionate future.

Many of the monkeys who arrive at our sanctuary have experienced neglect, unsuitable housing, or the consequences of being kept as exotic pets without the specialist care they require. They cannot simply be rehomed like domestic animals. Their complex social, emotional and physical needs mean they require lifelong, specialist sanctuary care.

That’s where you can make a difference.

Our landlord has requested that APES vacate our current premises, and we now have a fixed deadline of 3 March 2026 to move.

Right now, we face three major challenges:

• We have very limited time to relocate.

• We do not yet have a confirmed new premises.

• We have many animals in our care who rely on us every day.

Our immediate priority is to secure a suitable new location, ideally in the St Helens area, so we can continue delivering safe, uninterrupted care.

If we are unable to secure premises and raise the required funds in time, APES will be forced to close down.

How you can help

Please donate today and share this appeal with others who may be able to support us:

https://www.apes.org.uk/donate

Every donation makes a direct difference to our relocation effort and helps protect the animals and services that depend on us.

Thank you for standing with APES at this critical time.

At APES Shelter & Rescue, we know adopting an exotic animal is a big decision. Whether you’re new to caring for reptiles, small mammals, invertebrates, or other exotic species, it’s essential that both you and the animal are confident the match is right.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce Trial Adoptions — a new way to bring a potential new family member home before finalising a full adoption! This supportive approach helps reduce stress for everyone involved and leads to more successful, stable long-term homes.

🤔 What Is a Trial Adoption?

A Trial Adoption is a one-month placement that gives you real-world experience caring for an animal while still supported by the APES team. It’s a chance to:

• See how the animal settles into your home

• Observe behaviours and routines in a real environment

• Make sure the match is right for both of you
  All without committing straight away to permanent adoption.

At the end of the month, we’ll work with you to either:

• Confirm permanent adoption, or

• Arrange a return to the shelter if it’s not the best fit.
  This helps protect the welfare of the animal and avoids stressful outcomes later on.

🛠️ How It Works

1. Reserve the animal you’re interested in trial adopting.

2. Complete the Trial Adoption Form after reserving.

3. We’ll arrange a vetting visit to check species-specific needs and setup safety.

4. If everything’s approved, take the animal home for the trial month!
   All trial adoptions include support from our team and care guidance to help both you and the animal thrive.

❤️ Why Try Before You Adopt?

Bringing an exotic pet into your home is rewarding — but it isn’t always predictable. Trial adoptions help:

• Ensure you’re prepared for the animal’s unique care requirements

• Confirm the environment and routine suit the animal’s needs

• Build confidence with support from experienced APES staff

• Prevent future stress or rehoming due to mismatches

Trial adoptions are about responsible, compassionate placements — putting animal welfare at the heart of everything we do.

📌 Ready to learn more and take the next step?

A Difficult Welfare Decision

Because Carnage wasn’t chewing as he should, his incisors became overgrown, causing discomfort and repeated problems. Over the past six months alone, he had been admitted to the vets three times for dental trims. While these procedures helped in the short term, they were stressful for him and not a long-term solution.

After careful consideration, and always putting Carnage’s welfare first, our welfare team made the difficult decision to proceed with removal of his incisors. This was not a choice taken lightly, but one made to give him the best possible quality of life going forward and to prevent repeated, invasive procedures.

Our Heartbreak

Tragically, around 10 minutes into the operation, Carnage’s heart crashed. Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, he could not be revived.

We are absolutely devastated. Carnage was gentle, quirky, and had quietly worked his way into the hearts of everyone who cared for him. Losing him so suddenly has been incredibly painful for our team.

The Reality of Rescue Work

Carnage’s treatment and ongoing care cost hundreds of pounds, and sadly this is the reality of rescue work. Many of the animals who come to us arrive with complex, long-standing health issues that require specialist care, repeated veterinary visits, and difficult welfare decisions.

We will never stop doing what is right for the animals in our care — even when the outcomes are heartbreaking.

Help Us Continue This Essential Work

If you are able to, please consider making a donation in memory of Carnage. Your support helps us continue to provide lifesaving and welfare-driven care to rabbits and other small animals who have nowhere else to turn.

👉 Please click the donate button below to help us keep going.

Thank you for standing with us, and for remembering Carnage.

He was loved, he mattered, and he will not be forgotten. 🖤