A wildlife rescue centre has temporarily closed after the owner decided to step away.

Chris Wicks, who runs CW Wildlife Rescue in Rickmansworth, said opening the centre was a "dream come true" but said he had reached the "difficult decision" to call it a day.

The organisation was launched by former lorry driver and London Zoo volunteer Chris in 2014 after he realised his lifelong passion to care for injured and sick wildlife on a full-time basis.

The charity has been based at Stockers Farm since 2019, with more than 30 volunteers, looking after injured or orphaned animals including owls, foxes, bats, and hedgehogs.

Read more: Former lorry driver opens wildlife rescue centre in Rickmansworth

Watford Observer: Credit: CW Wildlife RescueCredit: CW Wildlife Rescue

But in a post shared with Facebook followers on Thursday, Chris said: "Running a wildlife rescue is rewarding but it is exhausting as well. CW Wildlife Rescue was a dream come true for me but it also became a monster.

"I have decided now is the time to call it a day. It has been a very difficult decision but I feel it is the right one. We have loved our time at Stockers Farm and being part of the wonderful community.

"Your support and love for the rescue has been fantastic and Harry and I will always think fondly of this wonderful area.

"We are not taking in any new patients from today and will ensure that our current inmates are properly looked after and released. Once again thank you for a wonderful few years."

The trustees of the centre released a statement the following day announcing that a decision has been made to temporarily close the centre with immediate effect.

The trustees said the existing patients will be transferred to different rescue centres because the charity cannot cater to the needs of the animals without a a manager on site.

The statement added: "We are unable to answer phone calls, respond to messages or take any new admissions at this time.

"We would like to thank you for your support over the past few years. We have been absolutely overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity.

"We wish Chris a happy retirement. We are eternally grateful for the animals that he has helped, the knowledge he has shared and the passion he has shown."

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