A Wiltshire zoo that rescues exotic animals including endangered Eurasian Wolves has issued an appeal for donations of fruit and vegetables.

The Little Zoo near Bradford on Avon has for many years provided a sanctuary for exotic pets; many unwanted or that had proved too hard to look after for their original owners.

But it is now having to spend up to £250 a month on boxes of fruit and vegetables after Sainsbury’s in Trowbridge stopped giving the food free of charge.

Gary Emery, who runs the zoo with his wife, Nicky, said: “We go through several boxes of fruit and vegetables every two days.

“It used to be donated via a supermarket, sadly this changed via a government scheme for human consumption not animals. When the Neighbourly scheme came in, they dropped us like a sack of spuds.

“For 10 years we have gone from having a good supply to now having to purchase it all at supermarket prices.

“We are looking for donations for feed for the animals as costs are rising massively.

“Any fruit and veg shops that wish to offer any discount to help would be greatly appreciated.”

The Little Zoo is a small exotic animal rescue charity at Farleigh Wick that was founded in 2010 by Gary and his wife Nicky.

With help from an army of volunteers, they manage the day-to-day care of more than 85 animals, including endangered Eurasian Wolves.

Their menagerie also includes raccoons, wallabies, ring-tailed lemurs, skunks, foxes, meerkats, wild cats, reindeer, giant tortoises, falcons and owls.

The Little Zoo is not open to the public but survives by offering ‘Wolves of Wiltshire’ experiences to visitors.

The Neighbourly scheme is designed to give unsold surplus food to local good causes, ensuring it is put to good use in local communities.

Mr Emery added: “The food donations from Sainsbury’s stopped last December when the Neighbourly scheme was introduced.

“Now they give the waste food to human charities but a lot is still going to waste because they are not collected or are unfit for human consumption.”

The Little Zoo is in danger of being unable to take in any more exotic animal rescues because of its current financial situation.

Anyone who can help should call Gary and Nicky Emery on 07850 756769  or 01225 859967 or email info@thelittlezoo.co.uk