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International Animal Rescue receives large donation from Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais donated £427,243.42 to three animal welfare charities.

The popular comedian donated money from touring ticket sales.

Ricky Gervais has donated £142,414.47 to UK animal rescue and conservation charity International Animal Rescue (IAR), the organisation has revealed.

The stand-up comedian, actor, director and writer donated £427,243.42 to three worldwide animal charities, using the money raised from Platinum Ticket sales from his recent stand-up comedy tour, 'Supernature'. 

Alan Knight OBE, president of International Animal Rescue, commented on the generous donation: “We’re bowled over by Ricky’s incredibly generous donation to International Animal Rescue. 

“It’s a privilege to be entrusted with this money which will enable us to make a difference to countless animals’ lives.”

Currently, the charity is working predominantly in Indonesia, Armenia and Costa Rica. The team in Indonesia is running a rehabilitation centre for orangutans, and is also carrying out community outreach programmes in rural village to develop sustainable living practices and to protect the rainforest. 

Ending the practice of keeping caged bears is IAR's primary focus in Armenia, and is caring for rescued bears, offering sanctuary and lifelong care to those affected. 

In Costa Rica, the charity is rescuing and treating animals electrocuted on uninsulated power lines, often baby howler monkeys, who become orphaned when their mothers are killed in this way. IAR also continues its work in India caring for rescued dancing bears.

Acknowledging the difficulties in fundraising, Alan Knight added: “It’s been tough lately raising funds for our projects - but Ricky’s support will give a massive boost to our work rescuing suffering animals from cruelty and neglect and giving them a second chance at a ‘happy ever after life.’ Thank you Ricky, we’re so very grateful!

“There’s no let-up in the number of suffering animals around the world and we will use Ricky’s donation to transform the lives of as many of them as we can and give them the kindness and care that Ricky himself advocates.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.