Newsletter: The “Pig” Issue 2

Issue 2, August 2023

A Word From our Founder, Nicola Vernon

A welcome back to The “Pig” Issue. It’s been all about mud these last few weeks. Unprecedented rainfall over the Western Cape, the worst in 47 years apparently, has seen flood damage to our sanctuary. During the worst storms we struggled with weather related medical issues, with goats and sheep injuring themselves after slipping in mud, and some of our more compromised animals struggling to adapt to temperature swings of up to 30 degrees in one 24 hour stretch. Getting the vet to the farm or the animals to the vet proved to be a dangerous and expensive undertaking. The steering wrack on our bakkie broke and cost R24,000 to repair and in addition we had the increased medical costs of our ailing animals.

But there were angels swooping to our rescue. Our urgent medical appeal for R50,000 on Backabuddy exceeded its target by R10,000. Every cent of that will bring us back to a nil balance at the vet which is a huge relief. In addition the Olsen Animal Trust in the UK responded to a grant application for help with a permanent solution to our access issues, granting us sufficient funds to build a concrete road over the most affected areas. In addition that same fund has granted us £5000 per year for three years towards our Pigs to Plants programme so that we can help farmers to transition from farming pigs to earning a living and becoming food secure with their own market vegetable garden.

These funds are already being put to use by the sanctuary humane and environmental educator, Marshall Rinquest, who is recruiting two gardeners to help him work with one former pig farmer in Genadendal and another in Greyton.

A Word From Our Volunteers

If you are thinking about going to South Africa, you have to visit this place to create beautiful memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. It is a magical place and it has a place in our hearts. We are looking forward to return. (Ilona and Peter)

This place will always hold a very special place in my heart and soul, and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to be a part of this magic. (Rupal)

The work is fulfilling, the views are stunning and everyone is so kind and passionate about animal welfare. (Alice)

Mud Glorious Mud

We have mixed views about mud on the sanctuary. Our four legged, snouty residents simply love it. The two legged human residents are not so sure. At one point our Founder fell flat on her back and, giving into the moment, lay there making angel wings, laughing hysterically. Keeping our sense of humour was all we could do while we skid, skated, sloshed and stamped our way around the farm, the mud often grabbing our gumboots and our socks too as we struggled to keep our balance.

Apparently mud is good for the skin so after the amount of exposure we’ve had to it we’re expecting at least ten years to be knocked off our ages. Meanwhile the pigs alternate between wallowing, lying in the sun until they are stiff with caked mud, then rolling back into the swamp to rinse, wallow, sunbathe, repeat.

New Baby at the Farm

RIMA GEFFEN (TRUSTEE)

After 6 months at home it was finally time to return to my home away from home, GFAS. I love returning here; the drive up the gravel road to the sanctuary brings joy and excitement to my being, knowing that soon I will be engulfed by a feeling of peace.

The very next day, while I was baking bread, Betty arrived. It was a Sunday and Badyn came flying into the house calling out to me, Rima, can you help? someone has just brought a lamb here.

I ran out and there was Betty, being carried by her rescuer, she still had her wet umbilical cord attached, just born. As I carried her gently and held her in my arms, I took her into to the house, and step one was to get her food. I am not new in this situation, as a long- term volunteer and Trustee, I have looked after many lambs, and other animals, during my stays at GFAS.

Soon Betty was comfortable, fed and warm, sitting on my lap in front of a fire heating the house, since winter had arrived and it was raining.

From that moment on, Betty was in my arms, warm and cuddly, giving me kisses while looking up to me with gratitude in her eyes. Within a few days, with feeds every 2 hours, this strong – willed baby started following me, running on the stoop, jumping up in the air expressing her joy. She slept with me, imprinted on me and when it was time for me to leave the farm, my heart broke. I love Betty as much as I love all the animals on this sanctuary.

Thank you to the most amazing human beings who rescue lambs and sheep and goats, pigs, piglets, cows, calves, chickens, geese and many more. Thank you to Nicky and Rohan for always accepting me back at the Sanctuary I call home.

Mana Muti Vegan Recipes

CHOCOLATE HUMMUS

Ingredients:
1 Can chickpeas
1/4 Cup plant mylk
1/4 Cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 Cup cocoa powder
1/3 Cup coconut sugar
Pinch of salt
1/4t vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 Cup runny nut butter of choice

Instructions:

Using a high speed blender, add all of the ingredients and blend well, starting with 1/4c of mylk. Add more mylk to to reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy as a spread, dip or in a bowl of oats and smoothies.

PINEAPPLE BANANA SPICED SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:
1/2 Fresh pineapple
1 Banana frozen
1/2t Ground cinnamon
Knob fresh ginger to your taste

Instructions:

Peel and juice the half pineapple. Juice the knob of ginger. Add as much as you desire (we add loads!)
To a high speed blender, blend frozen banana, pineapple and ginger juice, cinnamon.

Drink immediately.