'Bushfire Ready' Busy Bee - January 2019

By Chris R.

On Saturday the 5^th of January we held our 2019 Bushfire Ready Busy Bee. The forecast was for a hot, dry day, emphasising the importance of the work at hand - reducing the bushfire risk at the Sanctuary. With over 160 animals residing in the Valley, evacuating everyone is a difficult task, hence the need to make their environment as safe as possible.

The volunteer team were enthusiastic and raking, pruning and chain-sawing by 8am. Over-hanging tree branches and leaf litter around fence lines and cages were collected and taken far away from animal enclosures in readiness for winter burning. The soft leaf tips of pruned native plants were given to the possums to nibble. Steve provided invaluable assistance by using his tractor with leaf rake attached to clear paths between trees with highly flammable eucalyptus leaves.  

After a productive morning of work, the team spent their lunch break resting in the shade and refuelling with cruelty free pasta, satay noodles and dessert. 

 

We are so appreciative of the huge support given by our volunteer busy bee groups – as are the animals. Many hands make light work and help us help our rescued friends!

Brandy the Sheep – From Lost to Loved at Christmas Time

By Chris R.  

Just a day after a sheep tragically died adjacent to the passenger train line south of Perth, we were alerted by a volunteer to another sheep sighting in Midvale, near busy Great Eastern Highway. Concerned for the sheep’s welfare, three of our incredible volunteers swung into action, driving and walking around the area where the frightened ewe was last sighted, but unfortunately to no avail. 

The next day, however, we received word that ranger staff from the Shire of Mundaring had managed to capture the small sheep and she was being held safely at the Pound until her owner could be located. When no owner was found, we were pleased to offer her a safe place in the Valley.

Brandy’s arrival was an exciting day, more so for us than her. When moving her to the float we discovered that she was a true athlete, capable of jumping eight feet from a standing start! Regular fencing was unlikely to hold this woolly jumper. 

Relocating Brandy from the float to her new paddock was a challenge. As the quarantine yard prepared for her arrival had only four foot fencing, it was decided that she would need to go straight into her new home after her vaccinations and worming.

Chance, Wanda, Carmen and Mary were excited to meet their new flock mate.  Within an hour, Brandy had relaxed and was eating with her sheep friends and within a week she recognised the feed ute and began coming forward for her dinner. After two weeks, she allowed us to get close enough to place lucerne, her favourite, nearby without dashing away. Time, patience and tasty treats slowly won Brandy over.

Welcome to the Valley Brandy – hopefully your jumping skills will no longer be needed as you settle into Sanctuary life.

Volunteer 'Thank You Sundowner' 2018

By Chris R.

On Saturday 29^th December, our amazing volunteers gathered in the paddock to celebrate a year of hard work for the animals.  It was a beautiful cool evening, a perfect time for our busy volunteers to finally relax, chat and enjoy some delicious cruelty free fare.  

 

After refreshments, including some incredible desserts, we spent time cuddling and playing with the resident sheep, goats and alpacas. The volunteers never tire of enjoying our animal friends!

A huge thank you to all our helpers. From cleaning cages, washing laundry, and coordinating fundraising stalls to collecting animals and medications, our volunteers do so much and are critical to keeping the Sanctuary running – they are simply the best!