2023

In a sanctuary 12 months is such a quick, but at the same time, long time. Oh so much can occur, both good and bad, successful and not. Of course, it is the animals that are of the utmost importance, the love of all life that deserves care and sanctity amongst a world, that for them, is often barbaric. At Furever Farm we have lived every single day of 2023 with the exact ethics that we began. Alongside has been you, the very people reading this and supporting us in every way you possibly could. 365 days of love, inspiration, affection and care has coincided with the beauty of animals. Through the bad times, the episodes of grief and mourning, we have banded together as you have felt every passing deep within the heart as we have. This absolutely necessary thing called a sanctuary is such a hard slog and toil, a rollercoaster of emotions, a drain of tears for both happy and sad occasions. But, as another year has set, we would NEVER EVER contemplate stopping. We will never regret the decision to give our lives completely and wholeheartedly to those in far greater need than us. For they are the truly downtrodden, the oppressed to unimportance by a majority of the world. And for the past 12 months we have highlighted this fact and fought against it in various ways. Necessary and simply it must be done.

Of course, as the animal rescue months went from strength to strength, there was an entire world amongst us that kept spinning and producing it's own positives and negatives. As much as we entrench ourselves in the act of caring for all animals that come our way, we try as hard as we can to keep an eye on proceedings around us. Let's briefly recap some of the happenings from 2023.

A year of change, if not to call 2023 anything. WHO finally declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. An announcement met with collective sighs, no matter which side of the fence you sat, as all felt some semblance of normality after years of collective and poorly delivered 'science'.  India would overtake China as the most populus country, an occurrence that is predicted to remain such for some time. AI would overtake our lives, but despite these advances, the tech industry would tumble with layoffs across the board. Barbie, Oppenheimer and the FIFA Women's World Soccer Cup captivated the world, but Taylor Swift's Eras Tour would see her become Time Magazine's Person Of The Year.

Not everything would go smoothly on the global stage as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified. Israel would launch a full-scale attack on HAMAS in Palestinian GAZA, wildfires devastated Greece and Oceangate's Titan submarine would tragically claim the lives of those on board.

On a lighter note, tropical nations celebrated the approval of a new Malaria vaccine and the UK introduced a drug destined to half the rates of breast cancer.

Each year also sees a number of celebrity and famous people passing. Some may or may not recall the names we list, with some more widely known that others. However, all lives are important as we list but a few of the names that left us during 2023.

Andre Braugher. Fans of crime dramas such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine may recall his work, with his sudden passing leaving fellow co-stars devastated. Andre is survived by his wife, Ami, and three children.

Actor Ryan O'Neal would pass away peacefully at age 82 being cited as a Hollywood legend. Many, young and old, would be familiar with Ryan's early film work and later television work.

Hard-rocking frontman Shane McGowan of The Pogues would die at age 65 after being hospitalised with encephalitis. The Irish singer-songwriter would be survived by long-time partner and wife Victoria Mary Clarke.

Matthew Perry, the troubled star of long-running sitcom, Friends, as well as various movies would be found deceased in his Los Angeles home's jacuzzi. Although Perry battled addiction with alcohol and drugs during his life, authorities would declare that drugs were not the factor of his death, instead citing cardiac arrest.

Another star of television crime dramas, David McCallum would die age 90, peacefully from natural causes. Most famous for his exceptionally long time character on NCIS, David would be remembered by family as "the coolest old dude" on television.

Music legends are few and far between, but the name Tony Bennett rings loud regardless of a fan or not. The 96 year old crooner would succumb to Alzheimer's, a condition he had been battling since 2016.

Paul Reubens is a name that a lot would not entirely be familiar with. However, if we mention Pee-wee Herman we are betting a lot will cotton on. Suffering and battling cancer for many years, Pee-wee would sadly pass aged just 70.

Oh, a big name on the television interviewing scene, Sir Michael Parkinson would pass away peacefully aged 88. Many a mammoth famous name did Sir Michael interview during his decades on the small screen.

The amount of celebrities to sadly leave us during this year was truly huge. Literally, we could go on and on recapping those we now miss. But, to get back to our overall coverage of the past year we will leave you with these exceptionally well known names; Jeff Beck, legendary strummer. Lisa Marie Presley, famous for acting but legendary as being the daughter of late Elvis Presley. Burt Bacharach, legendary singer-songwriter. Raquel Welch, iconic Hollywood actress and starlet. Tom Sizemore, a controversial Hollywood actor known for Military roles and Reservoir Dogs. Tina Turner, a legendary singer known as "the Queen of Rock'n'Roll". And, one name that shook the world and meant a lot to many, Sinead O'Connor. An incredible Irish singer with an amazing vocal range, Sinead was a pioneer on various social issues and mental health, being prepared to stand up with outspoken voice regardless of personal consequences.

But what of the world of animals? Were there positive or negatives? Of course there were. We like to consider these good and bad occurrences as the most important. Animals, even the most wild and predatory, are at the mercy of humans in one way or another. Farmed animals, by far the most poorly treated on the planet, are literally bred to die, and how this occurs or doesn't occur is entirely up to us. The wilds of Africa; lions, tigers et al are also at our mercy. Humans armed with weapons that these animals stand no chance against are killing such beautiful creatures for pathetic and atrocious reason, wiping out species and endangering others. So what of the positive steps in animals rights over the last 12 months?

Some may consider the ASDA's approval of the sale of cultivated meat as a massive step forward. Cultivated meat, otherwise known as cultured meat or cell-based meat, is a form of cellular agriculture. Meat is cultured by animal cells in vitro. The taking of small samples of animals cells and then growing them in nutrient enriched mediums to produce muscle tissue gives an identical meat at the cellular level, without the need to raise, and thus kill, animals for food farming. It is probably a 50/50 on whether vegans would adopt this product, but regardless, the no kill factor is highly appealing. The US will now become just the second country worldwide, after Singapore, to begin selling it.

It was also promising to read of the Swiss national poll on factory farming. Sadly, it did not pass but the fact that 37% voted to abolish factory farming highlights the increase in veganism and awareness to animal injustice.

We are seeing uprisings in the push for 'sport' based issues. With parts of the world succeeding in banning the hunt for foxes for sport, other parts of the world are raising the bar for animals trapped in callous and underhand industries such as greyhound racing. In an industry that cannot keep itself on the straight and narrow, the greyhound industry continues to help dig it's own hole. With bans emerging for this sport in various countries, Australian advocates are forcing in-depth investigations and unwanted scrutiny upon a 'sporting' organisation that warrants nothing short of full closure. We truly believe it will come. The investigative filming of cruel and callous acts upon greyhounds within the industry is disgusting and jail time should follow each release.

And while on filming. The years old brilliant organisation Farm Transparency Project/Dominion Movement really upped their game and truly came of age during 2023 and into 2024. If they needed introduction in the past, they certainly do not now as they championed the fight for animal rights, exposing the atrocious cruelty and savagery within the legal business of animal agriculture in Australia. Know for their brazen but commendable acts of activism in the past, this movement went above and beyond to expose the industry and show everyone just what goes on behind the closed doors of Government sanctioned slaughterhouses. They exposed what Government and industry deem legal and 'humane'. The footage that was captured, at great risk to themselves, was without doubt the pinnacle of exposes' in this country. No longer could anyone sit back and plead ignorance as to what occurs in these places of death, what and how their 'food' gets to their plate. The emerging footage would be savage, but raw and true. To really get the message home there can be no dumbing down or sugar coating. The message must be as it happens. No trickery, no special effects, just cold hard reality. We cannot thank these people enough for what they have achieved, what they continue to achieve and the efforts and risk they undertake. We are proud to stand alongside of them and have issued our pledge to help them in the future in any way should it be necessary. Protecting and saving animals has no boundaries or personal protection. It must be done at any cause.

We have seen a rise in vegetarian, vegan and plant based indoctrination and acceptance. The road to the ultimate end is slow (sadly), but that is simply the case when dealing with humans on any issue. We must travel each word of the alphabet on our way to the end; Z. It is, for those of us so passionate and feeling of animal suffering, deeply distressing and frustrating but the world IS changing, it IS headed in the right direction. More and more people are becoming aware of the ethical wrongdoing of man in their callous treatment of our animal friends. People are beginning to adopt change, they are not seeing veganism as a word but rather the complete stopping of animal injustice.

And, so we speak of the sanctuary. Furever Farm. One haven for the abused that strongly accepts the ethics and morals bestowing our animal friends. We have spent the past year taking in, repairing, caring for, rehoming and laying to rest the very reason we exist. Animals are our prime focus and concern. They come before everything else, ourselves included, and we are constantly attempting to provide for them everything they need, things of comfort, health undeniable and love without question. What has happened over 12 months? Who did it involve, and to whom did it occur? Well, let's recap on what was a successful but, at times, very hard and trying year.

It would be the year of the bird at Furever Farm as a very important and integral construction was finally completed. Begun back in the latter part of 2022, after a thunderous and violent storm destroyed the original, the new chicken house would be opened to all things feathered. It would supremely outsize it's predecessor, which was literally rubbish, ripped from the grounds it sat as wind gusts of 120kms per hour tore through the farm. Work would begin on the new structure immediately, but due to it's sheer size, strength and necessary construction, that what would eventually be named "The House of Mother Cluckers" would take some time to complete. Doing things right the first time takes time, and manpower would often stifle building as we tended to over 160 animals on a daily basis. But, slowly with the help of many volunteers, some regular some answering our call, the magnificent creation would be born. This yard would be huge, full of colour and joy, housing that was fit for kings and most importantly, fox proof each and every night. The chickens current and future would love it. Sadly, some would not get to live the dream long, but we are certain that they would have loved the fact they were there for the grand unveiling. Now, to this day, the hens, roosters and ducks share a space so enjoyable that each is seen daily running and playing, roaming and exploring or simply lazing in a dust bath. Each night they will climb into their chosen cubby house where they will sleep peacefully without a worry in the world. Every day, as the doors to their homes are cast open, the chickens will bounce out eager for the new day. It was worth the wait in the end to see both the brilliant finished product and the overwhelming happiness of the residents within.

As with most years there would be the customary fence additions, shelter builds or repairs and maintenance issues resolved due to our wonderful team sharing the load. Betty the blind goat would get her old dilapidated shelter torn down and dumped, as it needed! In it's place would be a wonderful, strong and sturdy design built to withstand Betty's penchant for headbutts to the wall! To this day, it stands strong. Likewise, Betty's fence would be replaced by that of a superior structure capable of the best attempts at destruction.

Super dooper misting systems would be placed within the House of Mother Cluckers to aid in the cooling of our delicate chickens come summer. Yes, they work a treat, but should the pressure to the taps decrease a new pump was installed to draw from a holding tank providing immense flow into the misters. Whilst this pump fed the misters, it also continues to flow to all the animal troughs and farm taps. Never again will we be out of water due to unforeseen pressure issues!

Climbing and jumping apparatus would be brightly coloured and built for the goats (with more to come) and animals would continue to provide joy. There would be beautiful bubbas join us, and in a year of wonderment and excitement, we would have four gorgeous animals born right here at the farm to mummas who arrived pregnant. First would be three beautiful lambs; Beau, Jovie & Goldie. Born of two sheep who were part of a flock rescued from certain death from an uncaring property owner. Jovie & Goldie would be born to a second time mum, Petal, who took up where she left off from her previous births. A wonderful mum, Petal would dote on her two, bringing them up perfectly and teaching them from breast feed to grazing in the paddock. Beau would be born to a first time mumma, Gretel. The bond and closeness of the two was inspiring and marvelous. Gretel's natural mothering instincts would be on display from the very first second. Like Petel, Beau would be taken by his mother's love and guided from infant to young lamb. Panic would ensue should Gretel find herself out of sight of her beautiful baby. Quiet only ever became restored once the two again met. The beauty of a mother and baby is undeniable. It is wonderful and, quite frankly, destroys the myth that these animals are not sentient.

Also, born on the grounds of The Land of Gizmo, we would awake and venture out to the paddocks one morn to look into the distance spying something, at first, that we did not believe. But alas, it would be true that of our eyes gaze. A baby would be standing alongside one of the donkey residents who, quite protective, would be ushering her away from the inquisitive eyes of the fellow horses. We would have a baby donkey! Jill, her mother, had come to the sanctuary about 12 months prior with her best friend, Ben. Both from a property of free roaming, uncastrated donkey herds, these two had always stood side by side, bonded like a family. The gestation period of a donkey can last 11 - 14 months. Well, upon their initial arrival it was always suspected that a baby could be in tow. But, as time ticks by you begin to relax the thought of possible childbirth. It is always a case of never taking one's eye off the ball in sanctuary life. Just when you think nothing can happen....it does! Jill would give birth to the most adorable and ravishing little girl. Never a more cute thing you could see as Clover, she became, would be up on her feet and following her mum like glue. Jill and Ben, the proud parents (?) were never far from Clover's side, Jill especially endearing motherhood and loving her baby like no other. Clover would come to us, and our team, allowing touch and the pat of her super soft fur. In an amazing twist, Jill and Ben always having been hands off donkeys, would take a leaf from baby Clover's book, themselves coming near and allowing a nose scratch. To this day the three are inseparable. They are a close knit donkey family, allowing the original gangsta, Donkey, to join their realm.

Recapping on sanctuary arrivals brings tears of happiness. We are happy that these animals, all born of unfortunate circumstance, have found their way to us where they can be afforded unconditional love. We truly wish there were no need for sanctuaries. But, the reality is that they are required, so becoming overjoyed with animals....well, there is nothing more suitable to be overjoyed about.

Let us look back on those who became a part of the Furever Farm family in 2023:
Caramel the bantam hen
Jackleen the bantam hen
Millie the hen
Polly the hen
Margot the hen
Abigail the hen
Magpie the sheep
Hansel the sheep
Gretel the sheep
Petal the sheep
Digby & Dexter the lambs returned to the sanctuary
Raspberry the sheep
Pudding the sheep
Percy Percy the rooster
Lord Flashheart the rooster
Edmund Blackadder the rooster
Baldrick the rooster
Peka the rooster
Coco the sheep
Audrey the hen
Penny the hen
Camilli the hen
Punky (Brewster) the sheep
Beau the lamb (born here)
Jovie & Goldie the lambs (twins born here)
Freddy the lamb
Olive the lamb
Spencer the lamb
Betty Boop the hen
Lol Bunny the hen
Yara the lamb
Kramer & Elaine the Guinea Fowl
Jellybean the duck
Lady Kluck the hen
Clara Cluck the hen
Hen Solo the hen
Hilary Fluff the hen
Bonny (Barja) the sheep returned to the sanctuary
Thor, Finn & Seth the lambs
Pomegranate the hen
Orange Juice the hen
Salt & Pepper the kids
Gertie the kid
Moby the lamb
Chomp the sheep
Sinead the sheep
Mellow Yellow the hen
Malleah the hen
Basil, Nutmeg & Jett the kids
Mrs. Doubtfire the hen
Ice Ice Baby the hen
Clover the baby donkey (born here)
Cinnamon the sheep
Leroy the alpaca
Miracle the calf
Lil the hen
Audrey the lamb
Billy the lamb
Moses the lamb
Jessica Rabbit the hen
Bella the lamb
Peppa the pig
Bunty, What The & Battler the hens
Shygirl the hen
Syrup the hen
Miss Tofu the hen
Ohreaoh the cat
Barney the lamb
Frankie the lamb
Penelope & Phoebe the hens
Mona & Lisa the hens
Bobby the lamb
Wrinkles the lamb
Mustard the lamb

As you can see, the incoming of animals is a constant stream. Again, this is a happy occasion as well as sad. No-one wants to see animals used and abused, needing rescuing and housing out of their natural habitat. But, if it has to be then the best place for these animals, bred purely to kill, is at a sanctuary or adoptive family home.

Touching on adoption homes, this is an absolute requirement simply due to the number of animals requiring saving. If a sanctuary was not to find beautiful homes for these babies, then the ability to accept more would be thwarted. Here at Furever Farm we have the strictest of adoption programs, something we are not ashamed of, rather proud to enforce every possible safety mechanism for the animals ensuring them fantastic homes of which we regularly follow up. While we speak of adoption programs, let us look at the lucky animals that found their furever family in 2023:

Morrissey the cow
Hazel the calf
Murphy the calf
Syrup the hen
Winnie & Muffin the rabbits
Miss Tofu the hen
Ohreaoh the cat
Mickey, Mallory & Pancake the ducks
Poppy & Rose the goats
Henny Penny & Marabelle the bantam hens
Barney the lamb
Frankie the lamb
Penelope & Phoebe the hens
Mona & Lisa the hens
Bobby the lamb
Wrinkles the lamb
Mustard the lamb

Such lucky babies! All have gone to live a life of love that only true animal lovers can give. For as long as they are upon this earth they will know nothing but acceptance and devotion. It matters not what kind of animal, as all are equal and deserving of the best. This is why we are so careful in our selection of adopters. We will not hesitate to say no should we not feel that everything is perfect, or our gut tells us that someone is not the right fit. You will notice that the adoption list is half the size of the new arrivals list. That is the reason. We would always have an animal remain here than go to a home not suiting. Of course, you may ask how we can survive on a disjointed ratio? Well, it is natural that some of the animals that come to us are far from healthy, both physically and psychologically. It stands to reason that as much as we apply every possible effort to heal and rehabilitate such animals sometimes we simply cannot achieve the goal. Animals may pass away not long after joining us. Others, already a part of the sanctuary, may reach that age in life where natural passing takes place. And, as with humans, animals can fall ill or suffer to the point that we must exercise the kindest of options in euthanasia. All of the above breaks our hearts. We are in the business of saving lives, so when we cannot do that it hurts. When we see an animal pass away that has been with us for a long time, it is like losing one of the family. In fact, it IS just that. It is part of the sacrifice and obligation we pledged when beginning this journey. It pains us, and it should because we care.

Let us take a sombre reminder of those lost to Furever Farm and this world. In compiling this list we do so with respect and remembrance. We read these names with love, for they are what is great in this world. Vale to every bubba below:

Salt the bantam hen
Arthur the precious sheep
Fonteyn the gorgeous speckled hen
Ike the true gentlemanly goat
Skittles the wonderful goat
Miracle the tiny calf
Lil the gentle hen
Perry the brave alpaca
Stuey the loving rooster
Mustard the bantam hen
Ember the much loved goat
Shirley the affectionate hen
Audrey the gorgeous lamb
Billy the amazing lamb
Paddy the heroic sheep
Noodles the bantam rooster
Misty the lovely pig
Bart the truly gorgeous goat
Wobbles the amazingly loving pig
Jessica Rabbit the loving hen
Moses the brave and beautiful lamb
Shadow the adorable pig
Graham the special sheep
Bruce the magnificent rooster
Seth the affectionate lamb
Bella the brave and beautiful lamb
Peppa the wise pig
Margaret the wonderful sheep
Bunty the hen
What The the hen
Battler the hen
Ted the magnificent rooster
Pinky the loving pig
Sparkle the matriarchal horse
Shygirl the beautiful hen
Squawky the effervescent rooster

We remember you always. sweet souls. May you be resting peacefully and running and flying on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

This list hurts, but we honour these animals with the smiles they deserve and the love that they take with them.

Upon our reflection we must add that during 2023 we have met and become friends with quite a few people. Here in South Australia, and also interstate, there have been those who we have met via fellow sanctuaries and their devotion to animals. We cherish these new associations. People who hold the same genuine ethic that we do are worth their weight in gold, as far as we are concerned. It is these people who will stand alongside you fighting for animal rights, doing the hard yards and getting their hands dirty in the process. Of course, the underside of sanctuary life means that we will also discover people who were not what they seem. People involved for ulterior motives, to feed their own ego and narcissism. Yes, we have had a few. Right up until the years end and beyond we find them. But, once outed they can no longer hold any other organisation to ransom. They can no longer damage our brand or person. We relegate such people to the scrap heap and give them no further time in our lives, or that of the animals.

We have recruited new volunteers during the year. Some have lasted, some have not. But, that is simply the nature of volunteering the world over. Those that have stuck have become family, part of the team as we like to put it. They help us on the ground amongst the animals, getting dirty, muddy, wet and sweaty! All for those who matter. We have seen new committee members take place of those who leave. We welcome them and look forward to having them now and into the future. Admin staff, fundraisers. The list can go on. One thing that is certain is that we are genuinely and truthfuly appreciative of all the time and effort our team gives. We have been accused, wrongfully, in the past of not appreciating, but gratefulness is our factual affection. We love what you all do.

And as we head off into the distance that is 2024 we wish deeply for good times. We summon the strength to overcome bad times, and we resolve to find our way through animal trauma. One thing is certain. We will never give up on any animal in this world. We will always advocate for their rights, we will always educate the masses. And, for each animal that needs saving, where it is humanly possible, we will reach out and offer that animal a second chance.

We thank you all for your support. Financially, materialistically and emotionally. Your help keep us going and the animals lives are just as much a part of yours.

Darren, Hayley & the Furever Farm Team.