Annual report

Annual Report

2023

THE PARROT ZOO TRUST

Registered Charity Number: 1162135

Annual Report 2023 contents

O1 OUR HISTORY

O2 O3 OUR TRUSTEES

A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR

O4 O5 O6 OUR CEO

OUR TEAM

O8 O9

O7

OUR TEAM

IN REVIEW

10

11

12

13

14

IN REVIEW

IN REVIEW

DONATIONS, ADOPTIONS, GOODBYES

THE NUMBERS

THE NUMBERS

OUR FUTURE

HELP US

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

THE DORIS JOHNSON FOUNDATION

LEARNING AT THE PARK

OUR CHARACTERS

OUR PATRONS

OUR AMBASSADORS

SPONSAPOLL

THANK YOU

Annual Report 2023

OUR HISTORY

OUR VISION

‘We create a safe space where animals and people can thrive together in an inclusive and accessible sanctuary.

Each interaction provides an opportunity to learn using the environment to encourage an understanding of animal welfare, conservation and responsible pet ownership.’

Embark on a journey with us to create a haven that transcends boundaries, an inclusive and accessible sanctuary, a safe place where animals and people thrive together. Each interaction unfolds an opportunity, utilising the environment to spark learning and foster a profound understanding of animal welfare and the natural world, igniting inspiration for future generations.

Our story unfolds with Steve Nichols BCAv, the visionary behind The National Parrot Sanctuary. In the early 1990s, driven by a passion for parrots with extensive knowledge based on information about these extraordinary creatures, he founded an organisation that began by assisting local parrot owners in Sheffield.

Swiftly gaining recognition from national and local animal welfare bodies, we evolved into a global beacon for parrot-related guidance.

Within a year, the journey expanded, leading us to discover the perfect canvas in rural Lincolnshire, a one-acre piece of land that became the foundation for our sanctuary. Over the years, the Parrot Zoo Trust transformed into a paragon of hope, celebrating two decades as a charity in 2023. Today, we extend our support to a diverse array of mammals and birds, including our collection of Bengal Tigers.

As we continue to evolve, our commitment to provide a sanctuary for exotic animals remains unwavering, with over 99.8% of our residents having been rescued. The National Parrot Sanctuary stands as a testament to our unique and vital role, the largest facility of its kind in the UK, shaping the core of our existence. Join us in preserving and cherishing the beauty of our shared sanctuary.

O1 OUR HISTORY

Annual Report 2023

OUR TRUSTEES The Parrot Zoo Trust is a registered charity (number 1162135). We are also a CIO, (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) which is the legal format for registered charities to have limited liability without the need to register as a limited company and a charity. Our governing document (Constitution) sets out what we can and cannot do legally. It allows us to have a maximum of ten Trustees who manage the strategic direction of the Charity/CIO. Each of our Trustees is linked to an area of work, making good use of their skills and experience.

Karen Parsons

Chair/Trustee lead for human resources

Karen has worked and volunteered within the voluntary sector for over 30 years, in sector development including strategic development, safeguarding, workforce reform, play and early years.

John Roper

Angela Dobson

Vice Chair/Trustee lead for volunteering, engagement and funding

Angela has been a Trustee since 2021.

She became involved through her job, which is Senior Area Officer with Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS). This involves recruiting and supporting volunteers, supporting community organisations and getting involved in community development.

Paula Bachelor

Trustee lead for legal matters

Trustee lead for finance

John qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 and continues to practice, specialising in commercial, residential and agricultural property. Much of John’s time outside of work is spent with his wife and children and he enjoys cycling and walking the dog.

Paula has managed various employment projects, both national schemes and local, large and small.

Supporting adults and/or young people in to work. Paula believes that supporting those most in need and helping them achieve what they want to achieve is so rewarding.

Kirsty Johnson

Trustee lead for health and safety

Kirsty has been involved in health and safety within the NHS for around 10 years and when the opportunity to work with Lincs Wildlife Park presented itself, she was over the moon.

Will Downing

Trustee lead for marketing

I have been a trustee since 2022 and live i have a sound Kirsty haslocally been involved in health and experience in marketing and am 10 safety within the NHS for around happy to support the charity with years and when the opportunity to any marketing needs or issues. work with Lincs Wildlife Park presented itself, she was over the moon.

John Mansfield Trustee

Jon is a former officer Royal Air Force navigator who had a second career working for a US defence contractor supporting a NATO education and training facility, Jon is the founder and director a business that provides educational and support to military Jon became a trustee in December 2023 and is keen to learn as much as possible about the Park’s animals, staff, and volunteers

Dr. Jon Bielby Trustee

Jon works at Liverpool John Moore’s University as a lecturer and researcher, and has worked in science, conservation, welfare, and public engagement for over 20 years, having worked at the Zoological Society of London, and at Chester Zoo before starting his current role in 2018.

Jon loves the aims, ethos and approach of the Parrot Zoo Trust, and is keen to support the work of the charity in whatever way he can.

O2 OUR TRUSTEES

Annual Report 2023 THOUGHTS FROM

OUR CHAIR Mrs. Karen Parsons

It is fair to say that 2023 has been a year of very mixed emotions.

With great excitement we celebrated our 20th. Birthday in June and with great sadness as we lost our twin tigers Bella and Soutanna.

Throughout the year Steve Nichols (our CEO) and all the team have strived to offer the best outcomes not only for all the birds, reptiles and mammals, but also for all our supporters.

In recognition of the struggles that many are endeavouring to cope with, including the economic impact that affects us all in one way or another, we increased our holiday offer, with the inclusion of February half term as an opportunity for families to visit at a reduced cost, and of course the repeat of our special Christmas offer which was bigger and better than previously, with over 11,500 visiting in December.

Our awareness of our supporter’s needs has been very much an influence on site wide developments and 2023 has been a year of launching new initiatives that will enable future growth and sustainability of the sanctuary.

New aviaries, new and improved pathways, picnic areas and much more planting has all been part of this year's plan to improve the customer experience.

Keeping the site accessible has been a challenge at times, the weather certainly wasn’t so kind in 2023, and excess water was a constant presence around the site, but having secured more land, we hope to be able to extend our car parking and by ensuring better drainage we will improve the access at least do what we can with what we can control… which certainly isn’t the weather!

Connecting with stakeholders and supporters around the world has remained successful through the daily updates on our social media, which continues to bring many more of you into the daily life of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. …. And so into 2024, details of our plans will be outlined further in this document, but in the meantime we will continue to ensure that we provide the best care possible for all the birds, reptiles and mammals for which we provide sanctuary.

We will also continue to develop our offer to you as our precious supporters and look foward to welcoming you to the park.

O3 OUR CHAIR

Karen Parsons

Annual Report 2023

OUR CEO

A message from our CEO – Steve Nichols BCAv

Well, here we are again reviewing the year that was 2023.

Our annual report last time covered an extended period of eighteen months; this one is slightly shorter at twelve months, and now aligns with our financial year. Nevertheless, the year has flown by, and I feel we have achieved so much as a team.

All of our social media platforms have gone from strength to strength, with increases in followers on all platforms, and we reached a milestone of 100,000 followers of our Facebook page in February. This is a fantastic achievement and we thank you all for supporting us.

Many new initiatives and developments were planned and completed and there is more detail in our review of the year, but we would not have been able to contemplate these without the support of all our supporters.

Some of the highlights for me included our new LWP Supporters subscription channel on Facebook which we launched in January 2023. For a small cost, subscribers can benefit from a range of exclusives, discounts and special offers.

I cannot review the year without mentioning our ‘special’ birthday. June 2023 marked 20 years since we became a registered charity, and we celebrated in style with fun and games in June, including the first of our mascot races.

Christmas 2023 was very special to me. we again decided to offer something back as a thank you to all our visitors. ‘Our gift to you’ was free entry for all between 1st and 23rd December. We invited Santa to come along, of course, and he could be found in his Grotto on most days. We also provided Mini Mondays for our younger visitors and Calm Christmas for those who preffered a quiter experience. We are confident that both were very well recieved. We were astonished that over 11,500 of you visited us during the month. Thank you all.

Sadly, we have said goodbye to some of the team who have gone on to bigger and better things and I would like to thank them for their commitment. We have also, and inevitably, said goodbye to some of our animals. We miss them and they will remain in our hearts.

I would like to personally thank everyone in the team here at the Parrot Zoo Trust for their hard work and enthusiasm day after day. Without you all, it just would not be possible.

Here’s to all things in the future.

Steve

Steve

CEO – Steve Nichols (BCAv)

O4 OUR CEO

Annual Report 2023

OUR TEAM

The Class of 2023.

Here at the Parrot Zoo Trust, we have a small and dedicated, but perfectly formed team. During the period January to December 2023 we welcomed new members of the team and inevitably said goodbye to others.

We wish them all well in their future endeavours.

Liam Nichols

Andy Ferguson

“My passion is music and landscape gardening”

“My passion is Herpetology”

Steve Nichols BCAv “My passion is caring for animals that need help”

Curtis Jones Animal Manager “My passion is...”

Wendy Moore

Funding/Engagement “My passion is honesty”

Vinnie Goodall

Fabricator/Development “My passion is my reptile collection

Zoo Manager

Ash Gabriele

Delevopment Manager “My passion is creating amazing enclosures”

Nikki Scarlett

Secretary/Animal Registrar

“My passion is to just do my best in everything I do”

Zoo Manager

Sophie Hancox “My passion is appreciation... always appreciate what you have and never take it for granted. ”

Rachel Houghton Administration Assistant “My passion is cake”

Jack Houghton

Andy Mason

Development/Maintenance “My passion is problem solving, fixing issues, helping people ”

Graphics/Design

“My passion is LCFC”

Jess Newton ARRC Manager

“My passion is botany”

Nat Clarke

Development/Maintenance “My passion is...”

Eileen Miller Volunteer Fundraiser “My passion is animal welfare.”

O5 OUR TEAM

Annual Report 2023

OUR TEAM

Ben Spencer Animal Keeper

Chris Wild

“My passion is earthmovers”

Animal Keeper “My passion is...”

James Taylor Animal Keeper

“My passion is anything that flies - Avian or Aviation“

Clare Owens Animal Keeper

Rio Castledine

“My passion is Pugs”

Animal Keeper “My passion is learning how to scuba dive”

Joseph Sharland

Stephen Harrod

Beckie Mann

Animal Keeper “My passion is Natural history”

Animal Keeper “My passion is education”

Animal Keeper “My passion is rescued animals”

Cara Leak

Cara Leak Animal Keeper “My passion is...”

O6 OUR TEAM

Jay Holdsworth

Edie-Mae Gortshore Animal Keeper

“My passion is...”

Animal Keeper “My passion is family”

Animal Keeper “My passion is to work with rhinos and antelopes.”

Annual Report 2023

IN REVIEW THE YEAR OF 2023

January – March:

26th January marked the day when Steve went off to London to receive his British Citizen Award. Steve was one of just 29 individuals to be recognised and honoured with the British Citizen Award for Volunteering & Charitable Giving BCAv.

In February we received a donation of 420 trees from the Woodland Trust, this was to be one of two awards from them in the year.

Thank you to The Woodland Trust for their continued support.

We also welcomed Visit England in February, unbeknown to us, as this was a ‘mystery shopper’ visit to assess and evaluate our visitor offer. we were delighted that later in the year we received our accreditation and can now proudly display the Visit England sign.

In March our development team put in a huge number of hours reconfiguring our overspill car park and access from that area to our reception All works to ensure our visitors have a smoother access.

April – June:

April saw the start of the installation of our Changing Places facility.

The new facility provides a private space for people with additional needs and is equipped with handrails, a height adjustable sink, a bed and a hoist. Many thanks to East Lindsey District Council for providing over £40,000 in funding for this wonderful facility.

In May we completed the installation and expansion of the Park’s fresh water supply.

This work involved increasing the flow and pressure of water across the site.

O7 IN REVIEW

Annual Report 2023

IN REVIEW THE YEAR OF 2023

April– –June June: April contd.:

The 10th June marked our 20th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to have a party! Lots of fun and games including our Mascot Race took place and the sun shone for us all day long.

July – September:

July saw the Grand Opening of our Changing Places facility, on Changing Places Awareness Day, also, International Day of Tiger, as our Tigers are Bengal Tigers we themed our day around Indian Culture, with dance, music, and food.

We welcomed lots of younger visitors throughout August while they were enjoying holidays and the summer break from Schools across the country.

to visitors for this worthwhile cause.

Also in September, we completed the development of our new aviary for our Kakarikis.

In September, we proudly announced a groundbreaking development in our quest for sustainability: the installation of a cutting-edge solar energy system in collaboration with CES, a trusted provider of renewable energy solutions.

O8 IN REVIEW

Annual Report 2023

IN REVIEW THE YEAR OF 2023 .

October – December: Andy and Ash attended the Destination Lincolnshire tourism Awards on Thursday 12th October at the Engine Shed in Lincoln. We were finalists in the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year' category. Unfortunately, we didn't come out as winners on the night, but it’s the taking part that counts (surely?).

The Skegness Business Awards were held on 17th November.

We were finalists in two categories, the Green Awards where we were judged on how our business contributes to making a better planet, and the Visitor Attraction Award. Steve, Andy and Liam were over the moon to be presented with both awards on the night.

The remaining weeks of November were taken up with preparations for our Christmas festivities. The Grotto and Enchanted Forest areas were upgraded, and many new attractions launched. The event, throughout December was free for all visitors once again. To round off the year we welcomed over 11,500 visitors during December with over 1300 little ones visiting Santa in his Grotto. grotto.

Christmas Eve, 24th December, saw us all having a well-earned rest for a few days.

What What aa year! year!

O9 IN REVIEW

Annual Report 2023

IN REVIEW

DONATIONS, ADOPTIONS & GOODBYES

The National Parrot Sanctuary remains a major part of the charity and is the largest sanctuary in the UK , offering long term care for the parrot family with over 1100 animals enjoying sanctuary with us. It remains the core of what we do and the reason we exist.

We also provide sanctuary for other animals. During 2023 we ‘adopted’ in excess of 130 animals.

Our Adopt and Support packs remain extremely popular, and funds raised help us to maintain the health and well-being of our animals. The packs are available to ‘adopt’ our animals and make wonderful and caring gifts.

Sadly, during 2023 we also said goodbyes to some of our most-loved animals.

This is the part of the job that we all dislike the most.

With heavy hearts we said goodbye to our Bengal Tiger sisters Bella and Soutanna in 2023. We miss them and they will remain in our hearts.

10 DONATIONS,ADOPTIONS, GOODBYES

Annual Report 2023

THE NUMBERS Where the money comes from

Our Income explained: Dona ons and legacies £1,050,250 Charitable ac

es £46,097

Other trading ac

es £694

In estment Income £4,248

Where the money goes to Our expenditure explained: Charitable ac

es £731,860

Management £553,505 Finance £11,795 Go ernance costs £9,912

11 THE NUMBERS

Annual Report 2023

THE NUMBERS Visitor numbers

80000

Your visits

70000 60000

Entrance numbers in 2023

50000

Entrance numbers in 2022

40000

73,469 47,664

30000 20000 10000 0 DEC.23

DEC.22

Organised Group Visits Numbers of group visits in 2023 Numbers of group visits in 2022

Group visits 80

58 41

60 40 20 0

DEC.23

DEC.22

Our Volunteers Volunteer days

Number of volunteer days in 2023 Number of volunteer days in 2022

1100 1050 1000 950 900 850 800

DEC.23

DEC.22

1067 899

12 THE NUMBERS

Annual Report 2023

OUR FUTURE 2024 and beyond

It is so difficult to predict what lies ahead - but, at the time of writing this report, we are a couple of months into 2024, so we can have a bit of a sneak peak.

Highlights of the first months of 2024 have included completion of our Solar project, the development of our brand new Woodland Walk, presence on a new Social Media platform (for us) Twitch, and welcoming the Easter Bunny.

All the details and more can be found on our Social Media channels and of course in the 2024 Annual Report.

13 OUR FUTURE

Annual Report 2023

HELP US

If you are exploring business sponsorship and collaborative working, please contact us to share your thoughts.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Every member of the team at the Parrot Zoo Trust believes passionately in the value of the work we do and the resources we provide.

Here are some of the ways you can support us: Support us through Social Media We are very active on many social media channels, so you could subscribe to our supporters group on Facebook or our group discounts on merchandise and when you visit us.

Support us through Sponsapoll Sponsapoll is a unique sponsorship programme which gives you the opportunity to donate a small amount at regular intervals. As a thank you, you will receive newsletters, a Season ticket and a Welcome Pack.

Support us through purchasing one of our Adoption Packs Most of our animals can be adopted, just contact us and see if your favourite is available. Your Adoption box includes lots of goodies including a cuddly toy and an Annual Pass.

Support us through Giftaid When you come to see us, and we ask if you are able to Gift Aid – just say yes!

Gift Aid is a tax relief allowing UK charities to reclaim an extra 25% in tax on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer.

14 HELP US

Annual Report 2023 THE DORIS JOHNSON FOUNDATION

The Doris Johnson Peace of Mind Foundation is an initiative, founded in 2022, and a part of the National Parrot Sanctuary at The Parrot Zoo Trust in Lincolnshire.

The Trust is a registered charity (number 1162135) and is known and respected worldwide for the care and compassion given to its resident birds and animals.

The Parrot Zoo Trust currently provides a forever home to over 900 parrots offering a haven for over 100 different species of these incredibly special birds.

Our small and dedicated team provides every bird the care they need to enable them to lead a fulfilling life, from nutrition to one-to-one care and enrichment. We encourage all our birds to live naturally within their colony allowing them to not only survive but thrive.

Unlike any other sanctuary in the UK, The National Parrot Sanctuary provides long term care in an environment where parrots can live outside in the fresh air, taking in the sun and rain and making their own choices about when they sleep, eat and play.

We understand how much your parrot means to you.

Should something happen to you, we know that you want to make sure there is someone who will take care of the bird you love.

Through the Doris Johnson Peace of Mind Foundation, you can plan for the future so that in the event of your illness or death, we can give your parrot sanctuary with us at the Parrot Zoo Trust.

You can be assured that we will always give your parrot the love and care they need and deserve.

We promise that we will never put a healthy parrot to sleep We promise that we will never rehome your parrot We promise that there will be no cost to you If you would like more information about the Doris Johnson Peace of Mind Foundation, please call us on 01754 820107 or email pepe@lincswildlife.com

15 DORIS JOHNSON

Annual Report 2023

Learning

LEARNING AT THE PARK

The Parrot Zoo Trust is a Charity and Sanctuary which provides long term care and rehabilitation for animals who can no longer be cared for in their own homes. As such we are uniquely placed to deliver learning for all, and raise awareness about our resident animals; nature and the environment.

We have in excess of 10 years experience in the development and delivery of learning experiences for schools (excluding the COVID years). During that time we have developed our packages of learning in response to feedback received.

Since 2014 we have welcomed 12,649 students from schools from 393 groups. It is through evaluations and analysis coupled with statistics and reports that we evidence the continued need for outdoor learning.

Visiting students are able to learn and experience first hand, the care, love and support we give to our animals who have an array of special needs and requirements.

The Charity has an experienced and committed team; we have packages of learning in place and informative and learning is fun and memorable.

Introducing - It’s a Bug’s Life (coming soon)

'It's a Bug's Life' is all about stimulating and exciting experiences within our amazing Sanctuary.

We are the perfect location for school trips and have excellent learning resources available for everyone to get the most from their day with us as it develops, It's a Bug's Life will provide young people with opportunities to experience inspirational learning days at our Sanctuary.

Learning will be subsidised or completely free of charge to schools and families of students; and It's a Bug's Life will also support home-schooling and uniformed groups who are looking to learn new conservation skills to help protect wildlife.

If we are serious about our next generation engaging in the environment and conservation then we need to ensure they have access to outdoor learning and feel inspired. We urgently need to prioritise opportunities for young people to re-engage with school life and a love of learning.

Without this we risk a whole generation feeling and being excluded from the unique natural heritage of the World.

16 LEARNING AT THE PARK

Annual Report 2023

OUR CHARACTERS Pascha

A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR CHARACTERS!

zuri

17 OUR CHARACTERS

Boris

Boomer Boomer

Clarence

Albert

Mr Washington

Grady

Cecil Uganda Nigel

Skah

Annual Report 2023

OUR PATRONS We really do appreciate our Patrons and our Ambassadors. These people help us to promote the Charity in their own very special ways.

Toby Dennis Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire I am delighted to be a Patron to the charity and applaud the whole team for their hard work, dedication and commitment. I am pleased to be a part of a team that are delivering innovative, exciting and ambitious projects for the continued success of the Park.

‘I was very thrilled when I was asked to come and meet CEO Steve Nichols and the team at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, and could not have imagined the experience I was to encounter’ The Park is a remarkable place and the team are exceptional people, I was impressed with the knowledge and passion for all the animals the team have taken responsibility for, along with the dedication to their wellbeing, enclosures and for some, their additional needs.

Derren Brown I am so proud to be a part of this amazing worthy organisation, of course I fully understand we live in a world where far more disastrous things happen than a Cockatoo plucking a hole in its chest or an African Grey shouting obscenities at people. Many terrible things are worthy of our attention, and occasionally even a little of our time or money. I confess my own charitable instincts are probably not what they could be, but the Parrot Zoo Trust and the sanctuary are all about preserving enjoyment, and I think that enjoyment is a very important thing.

The enjoyment that a patient owner can derive from a parrot at home.

The enjoyment that a parrot can find again after being neglected, and the sheer delight of visiting a countryside haven where, for the price of an admission fee and a bag of peanuts, you can spend all afternoon in the loud and curious company of parrots. Some will tell you what they think of you, others will mimic your ringtone.

Some you’ll fall in love with, a few, inexplicably, will just whistle The Simpsons theme tune as you stroll past.

Steve and the dedicated team have passion in life, that passion is, to meet the needs of captive wild animals. I for one support this wholeheartedly and wish them a very prosperous future.

18 OUR PATRONS

Annual Report 2023

OUR AMBASSADORS

Cleo Rocos

As an Ambassador I am very proud to be associated with such a unique animal charity.

A parrot owner myself for over 20 years, I know first hand of the time and dedication required to look after just one bird, so caring for the hundreds that these amazing guys and girls do on a daily basis is absolutely awe inspiring.

I have followed the Charity and supported their progress over many years. The utter determination to offer a caring home to such a huge array of exotic animals, including the largest collection of Bengal Tigers in the UK, is testament to the charity and the team.

With the team’s persistence to never give up no matter the hurdles, you soon discover that we are all so lucky that this charity is here to stay and will continue to grow, which is just so fortunate for the animals that need continued help.

Ivan Massow Most of us like an animal of some description, but few dedicate their entire lives to caring for them. I am proud to be an ambassador and personal supporter of the Parrot Zoo Trust, a wonderful charity with Steve Nichols at the helm of a dedicated team of carers, who all relentlessly and selflessly offer needy creatures ‘one to one’ attention 24 hours a day for 365 days every year.

19 OUR AMBASSADORS

Sponsapoll is The National Parrot Sanctuary within Lincolnshire Wildlife Park’s personal sponsorship programme. The kind donations given through Sponsapoll are what keep our wonderful animal sanctuary alive and running. Donations to Sponsapoll go towards many aspects of the park including: Aviary and Enclosure Development and Repairs Hospital Treatment and Veterinary Care Quarantine facilities for new residents to the park Food for the birds and animals, including special dietary requirements Up-keep of park facilities for our many visitors and previous parrot owners

20 SPONSAPOLL

Annual Report 2023

THANK YOU!

So many heartfelt thank yous to: Every single volunteer who has supported us, giving their time and energy willingly throughout the year.

Everyone who has visited us during 2023, yes all 73,469 of you.

Everyone on the team, for their hard work and commitment to the Charity.

And the following organisations and businesses who have helped us throughout 2023.

Our accountants

21 THANK YOU

We bank with

01754 820107 (Registered charity number 1162135)