Wild Ireland animals 'inside, safe and warm' after Storm Isha

The Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary will remain closed, but the operator says that all of the animals are safe and warm.

Animals at Wild Ireland will be kept in the comfort of their purpose built houses after some was caused to the grounds during Storm Isha on Sunday night.

Wild Ireland owner Killian McLaughlin has confirmed that all of his animals were taken inside before the storm waged destruction on Donegal.

Wild Ireland, located in a Celtic rainforest at Dundrain, Burnout, opened in 2019 and is home to rescue bears, wolves and a lynx.

“We locked all of the animals inside in the safety of their own houses,” Killian said in an update to followers. “I am happy to report that all of the animals made it through the night and are safe and well.

“After all the storm damage, Wild Ireland must remain closed with another big storm coming. You can rest assured all the animals are inside, safe and warm.”

He told animal lovers that the brown bears ‘probably didn’t even notice the storm’ while the wolves were ‘much more enthusiastic to get out’ when their doors were opened for a short time on Monday.

“Just the mention of food and away they go,” Killian added of his wild boar.

The Buncrana solicitor and zoologist worked with international charities to rescue animals and bring them back to Ireland for rehabilitation and for educating people about welfare.

Wild Ireland was the subject of a TV documentary, Return Of The Wild - The Bearman Of Buncrana first aired on RTE in 2020 and hit Netflix last year.