Thurlstone Owl Sanctuary is closing due to the founder's sudden ill health.
It was set up more than 30 years ago by Geoff Mottram, 77, with the help of his wife Margaret, both of Manchester Road, Thurlstone.
Together they have devoted their lives to rescuing and saving hundreds of different species of owls, giving them a new home in their aviary before releasing healthy ones back into the wild.
Unfortunately Geoff is now seriously ill and Margaret admitted she can't run the sanctuary by herself.
"Everyone has shown us such great support over the years and I want to them them so much for that but I do not know what to do for the best," she said.
"People are still phoning up wanting me to take owls in but I can't and to be truthful, because we've done it so long together, I don't want to do it without him.
"So I'm sad to say it won't be taking any new owl patients."
Geoff built the aviary in the couple's back garden when he moved to Thurlstone in 1960. It's there he cared for up to 50 owls at a time, all year round, with the help from his wife, son and volunteers.
The sanctuary's owls have regularly appeared at Penistone Agricultural Show where Geoff would spend hours talking to people about them.
