Get to Know Animals CIC operates as a fully interactive indoor animal sanctuary and educational facility, providing vital community services through animal rescue, rehabilitation, and therapeutic experiences. During the financial year, the company maintained its core mission of rescuing and providing lifelong care to over 300 animals across 70 species, all of which are ex-pets requiring specialised sanctuary care. **Primary Activities:** - **Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Services**: Rescued and rehomed numerous animals through owner surrenders and rescue transfers, providing permanent sanctuary care with robust health monitoring, daily enrichment, and veterinary oversight - **Educational Programmes**: Delivered hands-on educational experiences to thousands of visitors, promoting animal welfare awareness and conservation education, particularly focused on the endangered species within our care, including those listed on the IUCN Red List - **Conservation Policy Implementation**: Actively supported local wildlife conservation through dedicated policies focused on protecting local bat populations and wild bird species in the Epping Forest area - **Therapeutic Services**: Provided animal-assisted therapy with documented success supporting stroke recovery, autism spectrum individuals, and those experiencing depression and anxiety, including visits to care homes, hospices, and medical establishments - **Community Access**: Operated as the UK's only fully indoor, wheelchair-accessible exotic animal sanctuary, ensuring year-round community access regardless of weather or mobility challenges **New Initiatives Launched:** - **Art Therapy Programmes**: Integrated creative therapeutic sessions combining animal interactions with artistic expression - **Corporate Wellness Days**: Developed structured workplace wellbeing programmes utilising animal-assisted interventions - **Junior Zookeeper Days**: Educational holiday programmes for young people aged 5-16 - **Guest Conservation Talks**: Hosted wildlife conservationists to deliver specialist educational content **Community Benefits Delivered:** - **Health & Wellbeing**: Served as a therapeutic resource for physically and mentally impaired children and adults, with measurable positive outcomes in stress reduction and emotional wellbeing - **Environmental Conservation**: Contributed to local ecosystem protection through conservation policies supporting native bat and wild bird populations - **Educational Impact**: Educated future generations about animal welfare, conservation, and responsible pet ownership through interactive learning experiences - **Local Economic Contribution**: Supported local economy through employment of 4 PAYE staff and engagement of over 20 volunteers throughout the year, plus local supplier relationships - **Inclusive Employment**: Accepted work experience placements for individuals termed as N.E.A.T (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and those with special needs - **Charitable Support**: Provided free and subsidised services to local charities, care homes, hospices, and hospitals for their clientele - **Professional Training**: Delivered safe animal handling emergency training for Essex Fire Service - **Sector Support**: Provided guidance to local animal rescues unfamiliar with exotic species care - **Accessibility**: Provided inclusive experiences for disabled visitors with free carer access and full wheelchair accessibility The company's activities directly address community needs for accessible, educational, and therapeutic animal experiences while providing essential animal welfare services, local wildlife conservation support, and professional training that enhance the available resources in the region.

Company Stakeholders:** The company’s stakeholders are the directors of Get to Know Animals CIC. **Consultation Methods:** During the financial year, consultation has been conducted through regular director discussions and decision-making processes regarding: - Strategic business direction and community impact objectives - Operational matters affecting service delivery - Animal welfare policies and sanctuary operations - Community service development and expansion - Financial planning and resource allocation **Actions Taken in Response to Consultation:** Based on director consultations, the company has: - Maintained focus on core animal sanctuary and community service mission - Continued development of therapeutic and educational programmes - Sustained commitment to animal welfare and rescue operations - Adapted services to meet evolving community needs **Future Consultation Plans:** The company recognises the value of broader stakeholder consultation and plans to develop more formal consultation processes with service users, community partners, and beneficiaries to enhance decision-making and community impact assessment.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration