A bird sanctuary has launched a "sincere and heartfelt" plea for donations to upgrade its facilities or it may be forced to close. 

Fritton Owl Sanctuary is hoping to expand the size of its enclosures with the public's help after recent legislation changes made them too small. 

Under threat of closure, the sanctuary needs to raise around £25,000 to upgrade the cages or it could face losing its zoo licence.

Eastern Daily Press: Fritton Owl Sanctuary needs to upgrade its enclosures or it may have its licence revokedFritton Owl Sanctuary needs to upgrade its enclosures or it may have its licence revoked (Image: Fritton Owl Sanctuary)

Chrissi Palmer, the project manager and senior volunteer at Fritton Owl Sanctuary, said the current facilities, which were first built nearly 12 years ago, are falling into disrepair and do not meet the new requirements. 

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Enclosures for large birds need to measure 12 feet tall, while Fritton's currently measure eight feet.

Eastern Daily Press: The current enclosures do not meet the specification The current enclosures do not meet the specification (Image: Fritton Owl Sanctuary)

Ms Palmer, 57, and her team have since urged the public to help as all of the necessary changes and repairs will cost more than what they have.

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"We are far more than just a collection of 'unwanted beautiful birds'," she said. 

Eastern Daily Press: Large birds need at least 12-foot-tall enclosuresLarge birds need at least 12-foot-tall enclosures (Image: Fritton Owl Sanctuary)

"Our sanctuary is staffed solely by a dedicated team of volunteers and is funded by donations and the support of our community and friends.

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"We provide educational support to schools and visit residential homes on enrichment visits, using our owls as tools to educate groups on conservation and environmental issues."

Eastern Daily Press: The sanctuary needs around £25,000 to completely overhaul all enclosuresThe sanctuary needs around £25,000 to completely overhaul all enclosures (Image: Fritton Owl Sanctuary)

According to Ms Palmer, the sanctuary has until March to make the adjustments or they may have its licence revoked.

The fundraising campaign has currently raised more than £6,000 of the £10,000 target.

She added: "To lose this place would be soul-destroying. We need all the help we can get."

People are urged to donate to the charity's GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign or visit the sanctuary to donate in person.