Hello... I am one of the volunteers who helps Sue look after her multitude of birds and animals, at Sunnyside Animals, on the Isle of Wight. This is home to sheep, goats, ponies, a pig, geese, ducks, poultry, pheasants, birds of prey, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats.
It has been a difficult year financially and Sue uses her own pension as well as donations and sales to finance the food bills and various other expenses incurred such as maintenance, straw, wood shavings, hay and vet bills, as well as removal of deadstock. However the cost of everything is going up. It is a stressful worry.
Mama Sue is getting older, like all of us, and was hospitalised in February 2023 with a mini stroke. and so many birds and animals are dependent on her. Many who know her realise that she would rather spend her last penny on her birds and animals rather than herself. She often says "No-one goes to bed hungry at Sunnyside."
Last winter, the rain was never ending and the stables where the sheep, goats, ponies and pig live needed cleaning out almost daily, and straw bedding replacing. It was an ongoing expense but necessary. The cost of straw went up because everyone needed more. The problem being that the field and paddock are low lying and get flooded with rain water from the higher surrounding ground as well as the adjacent woodland. It is a challenge to keep the drains clear and this is often an added expense.
Many of the enclosures where the birds and pheasants are housed need replacing due to age and rot caused by water and time. While some people are opposed to the birds being kept in aviaries, this is for their own safety and breeding purposes. Many are disabled and would not survive in the wild or even roaming around Sunnyside's paddock.
We are literally asking for donations to help support this little sanctuary and keep our birds and animals safe and secure for the next few months.
We also have a special request.
We have decided to build Cheyenne, our European Eagle Owl, a new enclosure. Cheyenne was born in Leeds Castle, Kent, and was to be used in displays but the Falconry Centre was closed down so Cheyenne was placed here, where she has lived for 20 years. She is not allowed to legally fly and live free in this country. If she did, she would very likely be killed as she searched for food. She is very content in her own space which she refused to share with a potential mate (she beat him up and he had to be removed) and she enjoys watching the world wander by. Sadly we do not have the funds for the wood and wire required for Cheyenne's new home.
Please be kind enough to donate to this fundraiser. It is for Cheyenne's new home, and to continue to care for our birds and animals. Every donation is gratefully received.