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.
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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.
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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.
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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.