It started with the rescue of a single pig… and resulted in the creation of a farm animal sanctuary that has gone on to care for around 200 animals over five years. But its founders fear that donations are failing to keep pace with running costs…
Finni’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Jersey’s first licensed facility for equines, livestock, and poultry, was set up in 2019 after the need for specialised support for farm animals was identified.
The sanctuary runs on volunteer work, with Lara Manning and Alex Hill working every day of the year while also having full-time jobs.
They provide lifelong care for animals rescued from neglect, medical issues, or circumstances where owners can no longer care for them.
The St Ouen-based facility, whose work was highlighted at the JSPCA’s strategy evening earlier this month, also offers therapy visits to care homes, schools, and community groups while offering guidance to new and current animal owners.
However, like many Jersey charities, they are facing financial challenges, with donations falling short of ever-increasing running costs, leaving Lara and Alex to personally fund the shortfall.
Express caught up with Lara to learn more about the sanctuary’s work, the challenges of running an animal sanctuary, and their goals for the future…
Why did you start Finni’s Ark?
I’m a lifelong animal lover and was born into it, as my parents have always rescued and rehomed animals. I had the idea to become a licenced sanctuary when I identified a gap in help available specifically for poultry and livestock.
Why do you think livestock and poultry are often overlooked compared to domestic pets?
I think they are overlooked because they are less commonly kept as pets so people may think there isn’t a need for help with them.
But we have discovered over the years we’ve been running that there are in fact more farm-type animals that have needed our assistance than originally expected.
Can you tell us about your first rescue?
The first animal that came to us at Finni’s Ark Animal Sanctuary was a stray pig who we named Rodney.
What does the team behind Finni’s Ark look like?
Well, we have no staff so myself and Alex are the main volunteers. We do the sanctuary 365 days a year. My family and some friends also help when they are able to. We do also take in some Duke of Edinburgh, project Trident and Highlands students each year for a short period.
What does a typical day at the sanctuary involve?
Feeding, turning animals in and out of stables, refilling water, providing hay, mucking out, and providing medications where required.
In addition to this on some days we might have the farrier, vet, or equine dentist or if we have any educational or therapy visits on that day there is the prepping for that too.
Are there any animals with particularly memorable or moving rescue stories that stand out?
All of our animals have a story, there are too many to tell! They are all special to us and no matter what the background story each and everyone has always “slotted in” with the other animals and sanctuary life, they know they are safe.
They all have their own unique characters with many that love to hog the limelight! We have some that are well known and it’s not uncommon for people to ask how they are by name, for example, “Barry” our golden guernsey goat who had his journey followed by supporters after he required extensive surgery and rehabilitation to become pain-free and lead a normal comfortable life.
How do animals impact people during your therapy visits?
We think animals have a huge impact on a person’s wellbeing, they can boost your mood, alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. We’ve seen many examples of this with our animals, especially with our miniature horses and have witnessed some very special moments with both young and older people becoming very animated and interactive with our horses much to the surprise and joy of the care providers.
What kind of educational advice do you offer to new or potential animal owners?
We can offer information and guidance on an animal’s care and welfare requirements, not to forget the lifespan and specific legal requirements for the different animals which are very often overlooked. We can also give the opportunity to spend some time around that type of animal to make sure it is definitely the right animal for them.
How do you balance running the sanctuary with your day jobs?
Both myself and Alex work with caring for other people’s animals (all different types of animals but including many horses) as our day jobs.
Our days are busy and we work till quite late in the evenings but we can come back and forth at different times of the day in order to attend to our Sanctuary resident’s needs.
What are your goals and hopes for the future?
Our goal never really changes and that is to continue to remain committed to animals that need our help and also to continue supporting the community with our therapy and educational visits.
I always like to hope there will be a decline in the number of animals that will be finding themselves in need of help in the future.
Another goal is to replace our “muck” trailer! We desperately need a new one and whilst it is a priority item it cannot take precedence over the animals so is something we are trying to raise separate funds for by holding tabletop sales when time allows. It is an expensive item so if anyone, any corporate/ business out there can help we would be very grateful.
How can people support your work?
We are only a small charity but with huge expenditure and rising, whilst we are very grateful for any donations we do receive we have to meet most costs of the sanctuary personally which is difficult.
People can support us by sharing our Facebook page to help get the word out, arranging a fundraiser or volunteer groups, giving a donation or we also do animal sponsor packs and having a wishlist etc.
