AN ANIMAL charity has a seen a surge in support after it featured on a TV show viewed by more than six million people.

Sussex charity International Animal Rescue (IAR), was seen on ABC’s Good Morning America and within two minutes its website crashed because of the number of international visitors to it.

The mini-documentary asked people to adopt and sponsor an animal through the charity rather than buy presents for Thanksgiving.

The Uckfield-based charity usually only sends out about six adoption packs – which feature a cuddly toy – per week but since the broadcast they have had to send hundreds across the Atlantic.

Nicola Grinham, IAR digital marketing officer, said: “We have never experienced anything like it to be honest.

“Good Morning America is watched by millions of people across the country so we knew any mention of IAR was likely to generate significant traffic to our site.

“But the response has far exceeded our expectations.”

IAR’s main projects include caring for nearly 400 rescued dancing bears in India that can never be returned to the wild and rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing endangered orangutans, slow lorises and macaques in Indonesia.

Alan Knight, IAR chief executive, said: “Anchor Lara Spencer did a fantastic job of promoting International Animal Rescue and the item included some of our most delightful photos and video clips.

“It’s hard to resist the opportunity to help some of the world’s most charismatic and threatened animals, particularly when it comes packaged as an attractive Christmas gift.

“The show’s viewers have been enthusiastic and generous in their response and we can’t thank them enough for their support.

“Our team in the UK is making sure all the adoption packs are sent off in plenty of time for Christmas.”

To adopt an animal and for more information, go to www.internationalanimalrescue.org.