The Peacocks of Possum Valley

By Chris R.

At the end of summer each year, the Valley’s peacocks moult their feathers, including their spectacular tail plumage. The moulting process occurs after the mating season, allowing enough time, about seven months, to regrow feathers longer and fuller before the next mating season. We collect the many feathers that are lost and use them as decorations and gifts where possible.  

Gus

Peacock feathers have been collected for tens of thousands of years. Many cultures believe the feathers have healing properties. Peacock feathers are said to carry spiritual healing energy that can be used to assist people seeking balance and harmony in their lives. The peacock is also considered to be a bird of protection and safe guarding. Lore states that to have a peacock feather within the home helps to safeguard the energy of the environment.  

Beautiful table display featuring a collected peacock feather

The Valley is home to five peacocks – Gus, Chloe and their ‘pea-teen’ children. The peacock family do a great job keeping the orchard weed and pest free and they enjoy spent fruit. They are also excellent at alerting us to any dangers in the Valley. No fox or bird of prey goes unnoticed by these vocal sentinels, day or night. The Pea Family are ever vigilant of impending threats.

One of the Valley's camouflaged pea chicks

 

Dorothy the Lamb

By Chris R. 

Dorothy Lamb came to the Valley on the 7^th of March from a rural property west of Hyden. It was a nine hour round trip to collect her, but worth the drive to rescue our new woolly friend. Being the smaller of twins, Dorothy was sadly abandoned by her mother shortly after she was born. Fortunately, the farmer noted her alone, bottle fed her and advertised the lamb for free on Gumtree. We were alerted to Dorothy's plight by friends anxious for her welfare, and so organised a day to collect her.

 

Dorothy settled well upon her arrival in the Valley. She was curious of our other animals and bonded quickly with humans. We suspect that she missed colostrum, the mother’s first milk important for lamb health. Dorothy has a sensitive gut system and was nursed indoors for longer than most lambs. 

Dorothy helping out with fundraising

After twelve weeks and many vet visits, Dorothy graduated to living with the Valley’s other lambs in the safety of the Biodome. Dorothy remains shy of her paddock friends. She often prefers to sit on our knees than play with her woolly kin, but Francine and Brownie sheep always ensure she is tucked in with them each night, watching over the new addition to their flock.  

PVAS Wine & Cheese Fundraiser, 2nd July 2016

By Chris R. 

Possum Valley held its biggest annual fundraiser – our  vegan wine and cheese evening – on Saturday the 2nd of July, at Baskerville Hall.

With over 150 people in attendance and 17 wines and 18 vegan cheeses to try, the night did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed an array of vegan canapés and desserts and the wonderful live music of Trouvaille. Also on offer was a silent auction table, PVAS merchandise and some great games.

Tables were decorated with native flowers and foliage from the Valley and fairy lights set the mood. A highlight of the evening was the live auction of a painting of Albert and Victoria donkeys by artist Esti Nagy.

A huge thank you to all who attended, volunteered, sponsored, cooked and donated to achieve the gorgeous atmosphere of the night and make it a huge success. Money raised will support the food and veterinary bills of the 120 animals who call the Valley home.  

 

We ask everyone who attended to be sure to support the wineries who contributed to the success of the evening. Mention the night when ordering or purchasing your favourite cruelty free wines.

Peppi the Goat

By Chris R.

Last month we welcomed Peppi to Possum Valley. Peppi is the fourth goat to come to the Sanctuary. While much loved by his previous family who had raised him from a kid, he was unable to remain in his urban home.

Upon arrival, Peppi was castrated at the vet. He stayed in his stall until he had recovered from surgery and become familiar with his new home. 

While he has impressive horns, Peppi has never used them apart from to reach itches on his back.

Peppi is very tame and loves having his goatee scratched while enjoying his favourite treat of chopped apple pieces.

We hope Peppi enjoys his new life in the Valley.

 

Book Review: 'Sheep' by Philip Armstrong

By Chris R

  

Sheep is an engaging, inspiring and eye opening exploration of the natural history of sheep from the past to the present world. It investigates the role of sheep in human culture, their use, and most importantly, society’s misunderstanding of this highly intelligent and gentle species. For those new to the world of sheep, it provides an interesting overview of these animals, from wild ovines to the highly bred, high maintenance farm varieties we are familiar with today. 

Armstrong discusses sheep evolution and the characteristics of sheep which have been molded by the human hand. He also offers insights into the behaviour and social interactions of the species.  Chapter six, titled ‘Sheepliness’, is a must read for anyone doubting the intelligence of these amazing animals.

The text is interspersed with an array of colour images which add beautifully to a well written animal biography. By the end of reading Sheep, one cannot go away without a new respect, understanding and empathy for the species. 

Philip Armstrong is an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury and the Co-Director of the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies.  He is also the author of What Animals Mean.