A cash-strapped animal park is pinning its hopes on a Premier League cult hero to help them soar to safety after warning they could close.

Eagle Heights in Eynsford say time is running out to keep the centre open after maximising their overdraft with the bank, placing animals under threat.

Staff have already taken the heartbreaking decision to close the reptile house, rehoming snakes, lizards and an iguana while talks remain to move on others.

Owner Jonny Ames says they are in need of £10,000 in emergency funding to remain open until the Easter holidays, where they hope to recoup some of the losses.

And the silver lining has come in the from of one of the centre’s ambassadors – Kayla the bald eagle, whose second sanctuary is at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace Football Club.

Kayla has achieved cult status at the club, nicknamed the Eagles, since swooping on the scene in 2010.

Before every home game she flies from one end of the pitch to the other as part of the pre-match entertainment.

Since the Save Kayla appeal began, supporters have raised £3,500 and the owners are hopeful she is their ticket to safety.

Mr Ames said: “Kayla has already raised £3,500 and she is one of our main ambassadors here.

“The money going to her is going towards the sanctuaries that keep the roofs over our heads. She has an amazing story.

“We have overstretched ourselves and ruled with our hearts instead of our heads.

“We are at a point where we have reached our overdraft limit with the bank and cannot borrow any more money.

“We don’t like asking for handouts but needs must.

"We have never asked for money before but we have a huge problem if we do go bankrupt because for a lot of the animals there is nowhere to go.”

Kayla’s handler Chris Belsey added: “The Palace fans absolutely love her. I’m often getting stopped by people who want a picture with her. They love her to bits.”

The centre also hopes to register as a non-profit organisation to help them become self-sufficient after a three year battle to become a charity.

Eagle Heights was opened by Jonny’s dad Alan in 1996, originally as a bird of prey centre.
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