Dame Judi Dench Opens New Wildlife Hospital Building in Wiltshire

Dame Judi Dench Opens New Wildlife Hospital Building in Wiltshire

Renowned actress Dame Judi Dench has officially opened a new wildlife hospital building at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Newton Tony, near Salisbury. The new facility, which replaces the existing building in need of renovation, was unveiled by Dame Judi on Sunday.

Dame Judi, who previously featured in a fundraising film for the hospital in 2020, expressed her support for the charity after witnessing the dedication of its volunteers during a visit a couple of years ago. She emphasized the importance of championing wildlife and shared her concerns about the state of nature in the country, particularly highlighting the need to protect trees and hedgerows to preserve animal habitats.

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, founded over 30 years ago by Mike Korkis and Marilyn Bowes Korkis, is a registered charity that relies on public donations and volunteer support. The hospital provides care for more than 4,000 injured, orphaned, or displaced animals each year, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Speaking about the new building, Marilyn Bowes Korkis expressed gratitude for the donations that made it possible, including a legacy left in someone’s will. She described the team’s previous working conditions as challenging and expressed relief at finally having a new home for the hospital.

Volunteer Maria Dunn, who joined the charity after retiring from her job on medical grounds, credited Dame Judi for helping raise funds for the new building. Dunn described the actress as a key element in the successful fundraising efforts.

Overall, the opening of the new wildlife hospital building was a significant milestone for the charity, with Dame Judi’s support and the dedication of volunteers playing a crucial role in its success.