Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary, operated by 87-year-old Malcom Jones, has announced it will close to the public from August 31, 2026. The sanctuary, which has cared for sick and injured birds of prey for decades, cited difficulties in meeting licence requirements and complaints lodged with trading standards as reasons for the decision.
Sanctuary's history and operations
The sanctuary, located at Festival Park in Ebbw Vale, has welcomed visitors seven days a week since opening in 1998. Mr Jones runs the sanctuary alongside his partner Patricia Webb. The couple rehabilitate and tend to injured, abandoned and neglected wild owls, hawks and falcons, with the primary objective of caring for these creatures until they can be returned to the wild.
Certain birds cannot be released and therefore stay at the sanctuary, which presently houses approximately 60 birds. The public was previously permitted to visit free of charge.
Reason for closure
A statement released by the sanctuary explained they have been compelled to make the choice owing to challenges in fulfilling the requirements to obtain a licence to operate, alongside "haters" who have lodged complaints with trading standards following visits to the sanctuary. The owners are understood to be "heartbroken" at having to take the decision to close to the public for most of the year.
While the sanctuary will be shut to visitors moving forward, Mr Jones and his partner will carry on caring for the birds, in addition to rescuing any birds which may require assistance. The sanctuary revealed it will be permitted to open six days per year without a licence, and will keep the public informed of the specific dates once a decision has been reached.
Statement from the sanctuary
In a statement posted on social media, they said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we have to announce the closure to the public of our site. Unfortunately, we are governed by a Zoo Licence in order for the public to visit. It has become harder and harder to meet their expectations. With the added interruption of people coming into our sanctuary and then making complaints to Trading Standards."
The statement continued: "We will remain here dedicating ourselves to the welfare of our amazing birds. We will be allowed to open six days a year. We are going to look which six days would be best. We will attend as many event that we are invited to, in order to raise the necessary funds to keep going. As many of you know we do invite members of the public to sponsor our birds. If you would like to sponsor, please get in touch. We have also been approached to take a monthly donation from our wonderful followers. If you would wish to help in this way, please get in touch. We will still be accepting volunteers to help us keep up the good work."
The statement added: "We are truly sorry, but we are left with no alternative. We would like to thank all of our followers over the years. Your kind words and support has helped and encouraged us to continue for so many years. I hope our haters are very proud of themselves. An 87-year-old man is heartbroken; Malcolm has dedicated the last 40 years to protecting and helping these beautiful birds, allowing visitors free entry so that all children have access to nature. We will continue to keep you all updated via our Facebook page. We will announce the 6 open days in due course."
Final day and council response
The sanctuary's final day open to the public is August 31, 2026. The announcement urges visitors to come before that date and "cheer up" the dedicated volunteers who work there. Mr Jones expressed his gratitude to the public for their support throughout the past two decades.
A spokesperson for Blaenau Gwent Council stated: "We have been made aware that the owl sanctuary has decided to change how it operates and reduce access for the public. We have worked with the sanctuary over many years to support them in meeting the requirements of their licence, which can be subject to change to reflect standards of modern zoo practice."
