An animal sanctuary in Marldon, Devon, is facing potential closure within two months due to what its founder describes as "astronomical" food and water bills. The Hakuna Matata Animal Trust is currently spending £500 a week on food because grass on its site has died, a direct consequence of recent hot weather.
Founder Hayley Prescott stated that temperatures are "having an effect on everything," leading to higher water bills as staff must constantly refresh water and create mud baths for pigs to protect them from the sun. The charity is also purchasing extra equipment to provide more shade for its animals.
The Hakuna Matata Animal Trust, established in 2021 to rescue a pig named Mustard, cares for a variety of animals including sheep, chickens, alpacas, and rabbits. A sponsorship scheme has been launched in an effort to keep the charity operational.