Santago Rare Leopard Project threat of closure

An unexpected hike in insurance, along with critical illness of owner Peter James, puts the popular Rare Cat Project, Santago, under threat of closure unless money is raised for partner Jackie to continue.

A popular attraction with many photographers and the destination of many photography workshops, Santago was started in 1989 by Peter James and is now home to a variety of Clouded, Snow, African and Black Leopards as well as Puma – totalling 14 big cats.

Photographers who hold photography workshops at Santago, or have done in the past, include Keith Hughes, Chris Weston, Andy Rouse, David Hemmings, Brian Hall of EOS Experience and John Wright of Photographers on Safari.

The original aim of the project is to breed the most endangered types of leopard, particularly the clouded and snow, to be released back into the wild in an attempt to avoid their extinction.

Unfortunately, Santago have recently experienced problems with troublesome neighbours and to make matters worse Peter was diagnosed with a terminal illness just a year ago and is now in a critical state. To keep the project alive Peter's wife, Jackie, will take over the business, but she has to acquire a dangerous animal licence to allow Santago to continue. This licence requires public liability insurance, now only provided by specialist insurance companies, and initial estimates suggest this will cost over £7,000, an unexpected and dramatic increase from the previous £180 cost.

While providing 24 hour care for her husband, Jackie now has the added pressure of raising the insurance money by 31st December. If the sum is not raised, Santago is in danger of being closed down.

ePHOTOzine has stepped in to help raise awareness and prevent the project from closing. We are appealing for donations to fund the cause and help Jackie and Peter keep the rare cats. Anyone who would like to support the cause can make donations via PayPal by clicking here.

Please choose paypal@ephotozine.com as the email/account.

On the Paypal payment page please put Santago Fund as the subject and add an optional message in the comment box below for us to pass on to Jackie.

Or by using our secure online shop payment method using your credit card here: SANTAGO PROJECT. We have set this up as a £5 donation. If you want to donate £50 simply enter a quantity of 10 (10x£5)

We will also take donations over the phone on: 01909 512111

We will keep everyone updated about the project in the comments section under this report.

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Posted: 13 Dec 2007 - 12:28

tj (ePHOTOzine Staff)

Forum thread HERE.

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[CLOSE] Mike Otley

Mike Otley

Portfolio | About

Ex-Royal Air Force aircraft electrician (three tours on C130K's), one-time Freelance photojournalist and aerial 'togger'; would still be in IT marketing but for '911'... If you really have to know more about me then there's a little bit on my website :) Please u...

Posted: 22 Dec 2007 - 19:26

Mike Otley (e2 Member)

Come on people... every tenner helps. Good luck Jackie.

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Posted: 23 Dec 2007 - 11:01

Steve_Atkins

Don't be a xmas grinch...

save these rare leopards by SAVING BUNNY...
http://www.ephotozine.com/u51064/gallery/770153

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Posted: 28 Dec 2007 - 22:34

mumfie2003

Quote:
I was wondering if anyone had contacted The Cat Survival Trust, also located in Welwyn to see how they get round such problems?

AFAIK the Cat Survival Trust is a registered charity and visitors have to complete a membership form to visit the site.
http://www.catsurvivaltrust.org

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[CLOSE] pennyspike

Penny Piddock

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I've recently given up full time work to concentrate on photography and other hobbies. I enjoy photographing people and places & share an interest in underwater photography with my husband. We are involved with a group that bring children from the Chernobyl area to Do...

Posted: 11 Jan 2008 - 23:21

pennyspike (e2 Member)

So sorry about your husband Jackie. I hope you get some solace from knowing that people here do care about you and the animals. A problem such as you have had to deal with must have made life so difficult.
Penny

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