Monday 20 November 2017

'Good Night Possum Valley' - PVAS Book Launch



Date: Saturday 2nd December

Time: 11am to 1pm

Place: Woodland Reserve Interpretive Centre, Whiteman Park, WA

An illustration of Daisy Calf from 'Good Night Possum Valley'

Join us to celebrate the release of Possum Valley’s first publication – ‘Good night Possum Valley’. Ideal as a bedtime story for youngsters learning about animals or for adults who just love animals, it is an ideal Christmas gift for family and friends, with all funds raised going to support the 140 residents at the Sanctuary.

Come along and enjoy cruelty free food while the kids can have their face painted, do a colour-in, enjoy story time with one of the Sanctuary volunteers or meet some of the amazing animals which feature in ‘Good night Possum Valley’!


As a special treat you can purchase and have your limited print first edition book signed by the authors and illustrators before they get famous!!

Prints featuring images from the book will be available for purchase on the day along with other locally made merchandise.

This is a free event but we ask people to "purchase" a free ticket in order to indicate their interest in attending and for catering purposes. You can book your tickets at www.trybooking.com/TALZ

We look forward to seeing you there :)





Monday 13 November 2017

A Deer Named Elen


By Chris R


 In mid-winter we received word from Greener Pastures Sanctuary that there was a deer in need. ‘Oh dear!’ The puns associated with this rescue had begun and would continue from all who worked on the project, adding some amusement to what had become a dire situation. We learned that the deer had been hand raised. One year she accompanied Santa to bring Christmas cheer, but due to increasing size and attitude had been relocated to a wildlife park.  Euthanasia was imminent and Santa’s helper needed help. And so the Valley of Hope was to welcome its first deer.

Photograph courtesy of Christine Smith

Acquiring the deer proved to be a lengthy process. A permit with very strict conditions needed to be sought and a two metre deer fence with double door constructed, followed with an inspection by the relevant authorities.  A handling plan was drafted with the vets at Farm Animal Services, Murdoch, to assist with sedation and a health check.  Extra hands were sought and a safe, air conditioned vehicle organised, both care of the wonderful crew at Happy Hooves Farm Sanctuary.  After four months of planning, building and preparing, team ‘Deer Rescue’ was ready to go.

Photograph courtesy of Christine Smith

We were greeted by many animals upon arrival at the wildlife park - kangaroos, emus, wallabies… and deer. Fallow deer were noted in the shade and we were wondering which one was the ‘problem’, although it turned out the deer in question was actually a red deer – a large 80kg female. The deer had become over familiar with visitors and as a result, relocated to a holding yard with two large male ostriches. This arrangement was causing her much distress.  

Photograph courtesy of Christine Smith

Dr Dawey managed to get close to the deer and provided a sedative into a leg muscle. The rescue team then worked quickly to move her into the cool of the vehicle. After an hour long drive, the deer was resting comfortably in the shade of trees in her new enclosure, free of ostriches although watched by vet and Sanctuary staff and some very curious lambs.  It took time for the sedation to lift, and, despite her numerous attempts to walk, she fell back to sleep. We were relieved that by 10pm she was confidently standing and could be left unattended to explore her new home. 


While monitoring her for the afternoon, we chatted with Sanctuary volunteers about an apt name for our beautiful new arrival. After much consideration it was decided that Santa’s helper would be called Elen – the antlered Goddess of the Ways, concerned with the balance of the energies of the land. Welcome to the Valley of Hope Elen – may this next chapter in your ways be much happier at Possum Valley.

*Thank you to Paul and Christine from Happy Hooves Farm Sanctuary and Dr Dawey and Nurse Jade from Farm Animal Services, Murdoch Vet who were vital in assisting Elen’s safe rescue. 



Saturday 11 November 2017

PVAS Hero Award from FOTA Perth



A huge congratulations to Chris and Mark, owners of Possum Valley, who were awarded a joint hero award from FOTA for the amazing work they do for the animals.

Every now and then Friends of the Animals (FOTA) post a Hero for the Animals Award to those they feel are going above and beyond for the animals. Many recipients are often working hard behind the scenes and have done so for many years not expecting thanks or acknowledgement. They do it for their love of animals and to make the world a kinder place. They are inspirational people and FOTA hope they give you as much hope for a better future, for our animal friends, as they give us at Friends of the Animals Perth.

Chris and Mark commenced working for the animals in 1997, rehabilitating wildlife at Malaga Fauna Rehab, now known as Native Animal Rescue, where Chris became a weekend shift supervisor. Chris later moved to Kanyana where she stayed for several years before Mark and Chris joined Malubillai, a network of home based rehabilitators. Over time, their commitment and dedication to the rescue and rehabilitation of all animals grew. 


In 2013 an opportunity to care for an orphaned lamb led to the purchase of a larger property and the formation of their own registered charity, Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary.

In addition to working full time and providing care to over 140 native and farm animals at PVAS, they enjoy assisting with the Wildcare Helpline every third Wednesday and recently created Perth Sheep Save.

Chris complements her volunteer work with a Doctorate in Zoology and Botany and through her employment where, amongst other things, she manages a captive breeding program for the critically endangered woylie.

Chris has recently been appointed to the Kanyana Board of Management to assist with matters relating to endangered species and their management.

This is a small gesture of our thanks to Chris and Mark for all they do for animals. Thank you both for working so hard for all animals every day.



Chocolate Banana and Cinnamon Cake


 
Many thanks to Maggie for this wonderful cruelty free cake recipe.

Chocolate, Banana and Cinnamon cake
-Preheat oven to 350f/175C.

Ingredients:
-2 bananas
-1 teaspoon of cinnamon
-1/2 a cup of Nuttlex
-1/2 a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
-1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla essence
-1 cup of dark brown soft sugar
- 1/2 a cup of vegan chocolate chunks or chips
-1 teaspoon of baking powder
-1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda
-1/4 a teaspoon of salt
-2 cups of flour
-1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup
-1/2 a cup of crushed pecans
-1/2 a cup of almond milk

Method:
-Put all ingredients together in a bowl.
-Use your hands to squeeze and mix ingredients thoroughly.
-Spoon into a greased cake tin and bake for 50 minutes.

Delicious!