Sanctuary Scoop - April 2021

As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, we're all snuggling up at the sanctuary. The pigs are building large, warm nests of straw, the sheep have had their autumn haircuts and are ready to face winter with tidy trousers, the horses are enjoying their cosy rugs overnight.

It's also the time of year we focus on and celebrate the most amazing beings of all - MUMS! As we head towards May, and Mother's Day, we celebrate all Mums, all that they do for us and the special bonds that we have with them - no matter who we are.

At Little Oak, we've been amazingly lucky enough to witness the birth of several animals whose Mum's arrived here pregnant, like Cha Cha, pictured above, and her newborn twin goat kid Daisy-Sue. Cha Cha narrowly escaped being sold for slaughter at a NSW pound, instead, she came to Little Oak already pregnant with her twin kids, and delivered them in safety a few months later. We've also taken in animals who've arrived with their youngsters, and we've seen all of these animals maintain those family bonds and seek out comfort with their Mum's for many years afterwards.

Indeed it is not a purely human trait to form lasting, meaningful relationships, and our animal friends show us this, if only we give them the opportunity to.

We wish all Mum's a wonderful Mother's Day, and if you'd like to support the Mum's we have in our care, you can make a donation, sponsor a rescued animal or purchase some of our ethical merchandise, profits of the sale of which go towards providing feed, vet care and bedding for rescue animals.

If you're looking for some kind and delicious breakfast ideas for Mother's Day (or any day really, Mum deserves it!), make sure you check out Charlotte's Kitchen in this newsletter, you wont be disappointed!

Kate
Co-Founder

Our private tours have taken off and been a wonderful hit! Held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, depending on our availability, you can book for up to 6 guests on a private tour where we'll introduce you to our residents, tell you their stories and share how you can help animals like them. Managed via AirBnB experiences, our private tours allow us to customise the tour to your interests, spending more time with particular animals if you'd like or meet everyone! We'll be putting our May dates up by the 3rd, find out more here

Animal Sponsorships are incredibly valuable to our work - not only do they provide invaluable support to help us feed our animals, provide them with the very best of veterinary care, but it also helps share their stories and make connections with people.

Our work
Many of the animals that come into our care at Little Oak Sanctuary have nowhere else to turn to. The roosters who have been discarded, "miniature pigs" who've grown to the not so miniature size they were always going to be, racehorses destined for slaughter. We provide a safe place for these animals to live out their days being cared for, respected and allowed to live as natural lives as we can provide them. They can form friendships and maintain family bonds for life, a privilege rarely afforded to farmed animals.

How sponsorships help
Providing safe housing, warm shelters, clean water, nutritious food and vet and health care to over 200 animals is expensive! By contributing as a regular sponsor or donor, you provide us with the security of knowing that the next meals for all of the animals is covered. It means that we can get onto the business of providing the best care possible for animals who have so much life left to live.

You can learn more about becoming an ongoing sponsor here.

Our stunning new t-shirts have JUST ARRIVED! Made from incredibly soft bamboo and organic cotton, these stunning new ladies cut t-shirts feature four of our original single-line drawings, Clancy the horse, Pablo the pig, Barry White the cow, and Phillip Woolen the sheep. Available in sizes Small-XL (sizes do run small so check the measurements and if you're unsure, order a size up).

Also just in, our gorgeous new design, featuring Shaun the sheep on an organic cotton tote bag! Shaun is a cool calm character, and Mum will be just as cool as him when she's out and about with this tote bag. Order by May 2 for delivery by May 7 (Eastern states within Aus only). If you've left it to the last minute, why not sign Mum up to sponsor an animal? We can send the pack electronically with a personalised message. Visit our website for more details.

Join Charlotte the pig as she shares a delicious animal-friendly recipe for each edition!

In this edition, we're celebrating our Mamas. Although I didn't get to stay with my Mum for very long, I love her so much and if I could, I'd make her the most delicious breakfast to show her just how much I care!

Make sure your Mum knows how much she means to you, by making her a delicious and kind breakfast this Mother's Day. I've chosen this recipe from Running on Real Food as it combines lots of things I love in one delicious burrito!

If the recipe I've chosen isn't something your Mum would love, check out these other incredible options, there's something for every Mum!
Charlotte 🐷