Saving A Herd - Sherock Animal Sanctuary

We have just moved to our new home, but it has some happy heifers and their calves still there, as their last owner was grazing them with us before sending them to the works soon.

Their owner is now not doing farming and has said we can purchase the animals off her for the same amount as the works.

We were thinking of eventually starting a small animal sanctuary on the 80acre site in Waimamaku, just not this soon. We will be starting up a trust/non-profit, I'm just doing some consulting on it first with local iwi.

The group is 6 female cows and their 5 calves that are still suckling.

They are fairly friendly. Almost all eat out of our hands and two like rubs and cuddles, despite not knowing us long. The latest estimate is that they should cost about $8,500 - being $450-550 for the calves, $600 for the brown and white cow and $1000 for the other Mothers. We are waiting for an assessor to come estimate their worth and then we can buy them at that price.

We have previously raised over $4500 and I have secured the whole herd by putting down a personal deposit of $2,500.

We therefore have only a very manageable amount to get!

We have enough to save all except the two biggest cows - who happen to be the alpha's in the group AND the most friendly.

We are lucky enough to have another vegan couple who have said they are happy to take on the care of a few as well, but are unable to pay for them as they are already needing to set up the paddocks with fences and such. Although we would prefer not to split the herd, the farm is in such a bad condition, it is going to be hard to feed them. Additionally,11 fully grown animals will be a strain financially and we think that is the best thing for the animals long term.

There is a strong possibility 1-2 of the mothers are also pregnant again - another reason to not send them to slaughter!

Anyone is welcome to come visit the herd. We will be having eco huts up to stay in eventually, but for now it might have to be tents, or a spare room if we have on available at the time. We do aim to have rooms available in about 5months time.

Thank you gifts

For any donation over $30, send us a short phrase to thesustainablenurse@gmail.com and we will paint a 'Sponsor's Stone', a medium-sized rock that will line our walkways to remember those helping us on our journey. Something like 'Thanks for saving the cows, love the Taylor family'.

Any donation over $100 gets a two-night stay at the farm once we are more settled. Just email me at thesustainablenurse@gmail.com to give me your contact details to let you know when that is.

Sponsorship for each animal at $5 per week is also available and allows two people a double night stay twice a year to visit their furry friends.

These can be made on behalf of someone else for a gift and we can make a gift certificate to send them. No expiry.

Use of funds

Use of funds

Purchasing of the last two cows.