SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SANCTUARY
What is an animal sanctuary?
What are the different tasks on a sanctuary?
How can one support animal sanctuaries?
The project "Support Your Local Animal Sanctuary" was launched to draw attention to the important and very demanding work on animal sanctuaries and with their rescued individuals. The project aims to give the sanctuaries more visibility, a voice, and support.
Fred on the German animal sanctuary Madeleines kleine Farm
What are animal sanctuaries?
Animal Sanctuaries are places of healing and life for individuals who have been rescued from industrial farming or abusive situations. They are often run by private persons or non-profit associations.
They provide safety from human exploitation and early death. Furthermore, they also provide all the individual medical care the rescues need. On sanctuaries, the animals are given space to move freely, build relationships and live out many of their natural needs and behaviors.
Duck-Club at the Germany animal sanctuary Lebenshof Federherz
The tasks on an animal sanctuary
The everyday life on animal sanctuaries is very demanding. In addition to daily tasks such as caring for the animals, maintaining the property, and dealing with logistical issues (buying food, etc.), there are always medical incidents. Sometimes an animal simply has a rough day and needs a little more affection, but often animals fall ill, injure themselves or deal with the consequences of former animal husbandry. These events are not only mentally stressful but also financially challenging. In the case of medical care, it can quickly lead to large amounts of money that the sanctuary has to cover. This fact repeatedly presents animal sanctuaries with financial challenges, which is why regular financial support (even small amounts) is very helpful.
Some sanctuaries regularly organize visitor and helper days, where people can either get to know the sanctuary and the animals or support the sanctuary with bigger chores. These days have to be well-prepared and organized each time.
In addition to the physical work, there are also many digital, organizational, and bureaucratic tasks. To generate regular donations, many sanctuaries have an Instagram account or a website, where they publish posts, photos, and videos. The aim is to generate media and financial support to provide sustainable care for their fosterlings. After all, the state does not provide any support for the sanctuaries. The requirements of the authorities, such as the veterinary and building authorities, must also be organized and implemented.
Seppl at the Germany animal sanctuary Lebenshof Odenwald
How can one effectively support local animal sanctuaries?
Animal sanctuaries can be supported through monetary donations, donations of goods, animal sponsorships, on-site work (by prior arrangement), public relations work online or at events, inheritances, and much more.
The best way to find out what help is urgently needed is to contact the sanctuary concerned directly.
Animal Sanctuaries are…
... a place of safety for rescued, abandoned and neglected individuals. The animal industry claims countless victims. Only very few make it out of this system and find their "forever-home" on a sanctuary.
... a place of education and awareness. The mere fact that animal sanctuaries exist and that people are living with, and helping the animals motivates people to reconsider their habits and life choices.
... a place of healing. Most of the animals at animal sanctuaries have had terrible experiences with humans. This is reflected in their physical and mental condition. Preserving the safe space of these individuals must be a top priority.
... a place of interaction. Animal sanctuaries offer visitors the opportunity to meet the animals at eye level.
Rocket at the Germany animal sanctuary Tierisches Glück
Where to find an animal sanctuary near you?
There are now a number of animal sanctuaries around the world, so there’s bound to be one in your region!
You can find many of them on Instagram or the internet. Please note that not all places that describe themselves as “sanctuariea” actually turn out to be one. Find out here how you can recognize whether certain places are indeed places of healing and anti-exploitation:
peta.org/features/real-animal-sanctuary-zoo
Once you have found an animal sanctuary near you, get in touch with them to ask for their current needs and how you can best support them.
we are so happy you are here!
If you would like to find out more about us, the people behind the project, visit our websites or Instagram accounts:
