Little Oak Sanctuary

17/02/2025

💛 Molly’s Life-Saving Surgery – Thank You! 💛

Today was the day we’d been counting down to—the day Molly received the life-saving surgery she so desperately needed. 💕

With a huge obstruction in her airway, likely a granuloma blocking most of her trachea, she was scheduled for surgery at Willinga Park Vet Hospital. Thanks to our amazing community, we were able to head into today knowing the full cost of her care was covered—a huge relief in an already nerve-wracking situation.

The day started beautifully, with Molly and her best friend Phoenix loading onto the float with ease and traveling calmly down the winding road to the coast. On arrival, Molly was a little hesitant about stepping into the state-of-the-art facility, while Phoenix—ever the steady companion—seemed ready to board the Starship Enterprise if given the chance! 🚀

Once settled, Dr. Lucas walked us through the delicate procedure, which would be done while Molly remained standing under sedation. There were risks, and we held our breath as she was prepped for surgery, knowing how much was at stake. But just a few hours later, we received the news we had been hoping for—Molly made it through! The mass was successfully removed without general anesthesia. It was so large they struggled to retrieve it through her nostril, and as predicted, she swallowed it at the last moment! However, a biopsy sample was taken, so we’ll still be able to confirm if it was a granuloma as suspected.

Molly is now resting comfortably in her stall with Phoenix right by her side. She will remain in hospital for a few days for monitoring and follow-up scopes before (hopefully) heading home later this week.

✨ We cannot thank you enough. ✨
We launched Molly’s fundraiser just a few days ago, and thanks to you—our incredible community—her surgery was fully funded before we even set off this morning. Knowing that she was carried into this moment on a sea of love and generosity has meant everything.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Molly’s journey to healing. We can’t wait to bring her home. 💛

16/02/2025

Today is the big day ~ Molly’s surgery, and she’s ready!

Molly has been practicing in the horse float all week, and this morning she’ll be headed down to Willanga park vet hospital and potentially will have her surgery today.

We’re so nervous for her, but at the same time so relieved she is having the awful growth in her airway removed. Thank you SO much to each and every person who donated to cover the costs of her procedure, hospital stay and recovery. We will keep you posted each step of the way ❤️🐴❤️

Keep dear Molly in you hearts today ❤️‍🩹

15/02/2025

This Sentimental Saturday, we wanted to share this beautiful video of dear Molly the Mule, about a month after she arrived with us at Little Oak Sanctuary (during the worst drought our region had seen for decades!).

Molly had been surrendered to us with her two mini-horse best buddies, Phoenix and Lancelot. All three were malnourished, weak and depressed. It didn't take long for them to recuperate, and within a month Molly and the ponies were dancing around the paddocks.

Right now, Molly can't run around as her airway is almost completely obstructed by a suspected granuloma (fibrous growth). We are anxiously awaiting Monday, where our beloved friend will go in to an equine hospital to have surgery to remove the growth.

We can't wait to see Molly running the now much greener fields once again.

13/02/2025

URGENT HELP – DONATIONS NEEDED – PLEASE SHARE

Molly the Mule needs urgent surgery!

Molly, an incredibly sweet mule who was saved from neglect just after the 2019/20 bush fires, is facing a serious health crisis. Over the past month we have been trying to uncover the cause of her ongoing wheeze. Vet visit after vet visit yielded no diagnosis, until this week.

On Monday we finally had a camera scope down her airways and our worst fears were realised. She has a growth—suspected to be a granuloma—obstructing her airway, making it difficult for her to breathe. With a huge relief we've found an incredible equine vet hospital in Bawley Point that will treat her, they are confident they can remove the growth but as it's blocking her airway, it's vital she gets it done as soon as possible.

She will travel down for urgent surgery first thing on Monday morning, and will need to stay in care for several days while she recovers. Her buddy Phoenix the mini-horse will travel and stay with her to minimise the stress for her being separated from her friends. If all goes well, Molly will then require regular scoping of her airways for the next year to ensure it does not return. We are so grateful that she's been able to be slotted in for surgery so quickly, we are very hopeful that it will give her the best chance at a full and healthy life.

We need to raise an additional $12,500 to cover Molly’s medical care, transport, accommodation and aftercare procedures. This is a critical, lifesaving intervention, and we can’t do it without you.

Please, if you can, donate today to help Molly get the urgent care she needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us give her the chance she deserves.

Thank you for standing with us—and for Molly. ❤️

With love, gratitude, and hope,

Kate & James

Link to donate in the comments below

08/02/2025

🐓 BOTH ROOSTERS HAVE BEEN REHOMED! 🐓

Two beautiful roosters are searching for safe, loving forever homes – could you be the one to give them the care and appreciation they deserve?

✨ Mr Orange **REHOMED** ✨
We're delighted to say that Mr Orange has been rehomed!

✨ Meet Jonathon **REHOMED**✨
Jonathon is a breathtaking young Brahma rooster currently living in suburbia—where he’s been given his marching orders simply for being who he is. He needs a safe place where he’ll be welcomed and cherished, not discarded for reasons beyond his control.

Roosters like these boys are so often overlooked, their lives seen as disposable, but they are full of personality, loyalty, and charm. Given the chance, they form deep bonds, keep their flocks safe, and bring joy to those who take the time to know them.

🏡 Could you offer one of these boys a forever home?
Both are located near Canberra and must go to strictly no-kill homes where they’ll be cared for and respected for life. Please check your local council regulations, as not all areas permit roosters.

If you have the space and heart to give one of these beautiful souls a home, please reach out to us as soon as possible! ❤️

08/02/2025

“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. The effect you have on others’ lives is the highest expression of your own.” ~ Maya Angelou

Source: Letter to My Daughter​

07/02/2025

We have the heaviest news to share with you today: our beloved Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Piggy has passed, just two months shy of her 13th birthday.

Tiger's life began on the cold concrete of an intensive pig farm in the middle of winter. The smallest of her litter, she was one of the many runts who are typically deemed unworthy of life. But fate had other plans. A worker took her and another tiny piglet—Timmy—home, only to realise they were unwell and seek a safe place for them. That was the day we met the piglets who would change our lives.

Tiger was just 5kg when she arrived, a little explorer with a sharp mind and an even sharper will to live. She and Timmy overcame their fragile beginnings, growing into strong, playful piglets. They wrestled, played 'snout wars' (a piggy version of thumb wars), and curled up together for warmth. When Timmy passed away at just nine months old after suffering a seizure, Tiger grieved deeply. But she found companionship again with a new pig friend, Dr Seuss, and together, they built a friendship that lasted over a decade.

Tiger grew into a force of nature—smart, independent, and full of personality. She relished her days wallowing in the mud, building elaborate nests, and exploring her ever-growing home as we expanded Little Oak Sanctuary. She was our heartbeat, a reminder of why we do what we do.

When she turned ten, we celebrated. When she turned eleven, we marvelled. When she reached twelve, we were in awe. Every year was a gift. Five months ago, she said goodbye to Dr Seuss, and though she adjusted to life without him, we could see time catching up with her. This summer, the heat became too much for our strong-willed girl. This week, a vet visit revealed that her heart was failing, and we made the heartbreaking decision to let her go. She left us peacefully, surrounded by love.

Tiger was so much to us. She was the very reason Little Oak exists. She inspired us to create this sanctuary, to fight for others like her, to plant seeds of compassion that continue to grow. Now, in her honour, we are planting a Liquid Amber tree - one that will offer shade to animals in the summer and come ablaze in gold and reds each autumn, marking the season she was born.

To know a pig is to love a pig. And to love Tiger was an honour beyond words. Rest gently, dear Tiger. You've had our hearts from the very first night we met. 💔

06/02/2025

Good Moo'rning from Halo & friends!

Halo was born on 6th April, 2015.

Most people aren't aware that in order to produce milk, dairy cows are kept almost continually pregnant. male calves (known as 'bobby calves') are sent to slaughter in their first week of life so that their mothers' milk can be harvested for human consumption.

Halo was rescued from slaughter as a 3 day old male calf born into the dairy industry. As he could not produce milk he, like over 400,000 of his brothers was considered a waste product. Taken from his mother within the first few days of his life, he was destined to be slaughtered for pet food.

Instead Halo was taken in by the loving folks who ran Yellow Brick Road Animal Sanctuary on the South Coast, and this young fellow soon became very close friends with his woolly companion Conan the Sheep.

Sadly YBR sanctuary had to close its doors, and we were able to offer Conan and Halo residence at Little Oak in 2017.

Halo is an absolute sweetheart, the epitome of a gentle giant. Over the 7 years he's been with us he has built a solid friendships with his bovine buddies James, Jack & Barry.

Cows and their calves endure so much purely because of the demand for dairy products. The power to make a difference is in your hands, please learn more and choose wisely.

01/02/2025

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr

The world needs all the love and compassion we can muster.

19/01/2025

Over a week ago we noticed the normally outgoing Justin turkey was flat, pale and depressed. This change in behaviour was a real concern so he went in for a checkup at the vets. He came home with a long course of medication to treat a suspected infection, and we were delighted to see Justins condition improve every day.

This afternoon he finished his meds and so as we promised, he returned from the hospital yard in our stables to his yard with all his chicken friends. Watching his physical reaction, fluffing up and vocalising as he grew closer to home was so magical, he’s incredibly happy to be home.

Thank you to everyone who sent this dear fellow their well wishes ❤️🦃❤️

17/01/2025

REMINDER: THIS SUNDAY WE'RE BACK!

Kicking of 2025 on a sweet note with our vegan bake sale and sausage sizzle, outside Dickson Library/Woolworths/Coles.

We'll be starting at 11am and winding up by 3pm unless we sell out sooner.

Join us for a sweet treat, a sizzling snag, some stunning merch (including the last lot of calendars that we have - now on sale!).

See you there!

PS FOR THE BAKERS!
If you'd like to bake something for our bake sale and help us raise vital funds for animals like Archie the piglet and Billie the blind lamb, that would be amazing! Make sure it's vegan (free from animal products including eggs, dairy milk or honey) We'd also love if you could bring a list of any allergens in the ingredients.

13/01/2025

Many people don’t realise that farmed animals will seek affection just like the dogs and cats we are more familiar with. When you think about it, if we treated cats and dogs the way most humans treat farmed animals, they would interact with us very differently.

This post is brought to you by Sadie and Billie lambs with James, and Betty Bambalamb with Adele (filmed by Clelia) and Gracie lamb❤️🐑❤️🐑❤️🐑❤️

12/01/2025

Every action counts ❤️

Remember, every time you engage in conversation with a person who bets on horse racing, every time you participate in protests, every time you make a submission to authorities or sign a petition, and every time you help to share the truth about horse racing, you’re planting a seed and creating awareness. Happy New Year and thank you to everyone who are helping to grow the movement of people choosing compassion over cruelty❤️

12/01/2025

Milo’s Journey: A Brave Little Goat Finds His Way
The new year brought a life-changing moment for a tiny, vision-impaired goat who had been facing the harsh Australian bush alone. Milo, as we’ve named him, first appeared at a young couple’s campsite in NSW, timid yet seemingly seeking help. They’d been camping over the New Year period when this little goat began approaching their camp repeatedly. It didn’t take long for the compassionate campers to notice his milky eyes and tentative movements, a clear sign that his vision was impaired.
Alone in the bush and without his family, Milo’s chances of survival were slim. It’s hard to imagine the challenges he faced—navigating unfamiliar terrain, avoiding predators, and finding food while unable to see clearly. Recognising his vulnerability, the couple reached out to us and brought Milo to Little Oak Sanctuary.
From the moment he arrived, it was clear this little goat had endured a lot, but his sweet and gentle nature shone through. After a short stay in quarantine, during which he received a thorough vet check and his induction medications (including vaccinations and parasite control), Milo was ready to meet his new friends.
We introduced Milo to our lamb gang, a lively and supportive group who quickly helped him settle in. It was as though a weight had been lifted from his tiny shoulders. His confidence soared, and his little tail began wagging as he explored his surroundings with newfound courage. Seeing him grow more comfortable each day has been a joy to witness.
Milo was born with cataracts, giving his eyes a cloudy appearance. While his vision is limited, he can perceive shapes and contrasts between light and dark, which helps him navigate. In fact, we suspect he may see slightly more than Hazel, our beloved calf who also has congenital cataracts.
Milo’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of compassion. Without the kindness of the campers who refused to turn a blind eye, his future could have been bleak. Instead, Milo now has a safe place to call home, friends to comfort him, and a community cheering him on.

10/01/2025

🐔 Meet Mr George Anderson: A Rooster with a Remarkable Rescue Story

For every backyard hen, there’s a heartbreaking truth that’s often overlooked: half of all eggs that hatch will be male chicks. With so few safe homes for roosters, countless males are killed shortly after hatching or abandoned to fend for themselves.

Early this year, a beautiful rooster was found alone at the Anderson Rest Stop near Lake George, dumped and at the mercy of predators, harsh weather, and starvation. Thankfully, compassionate souls came together, determined to save him.

After days of evasion, their persistence paid off, and this brave boy was brought to safety. Now named Mr George Anderson, he’s settling into life at Little Oak Sanctuary, where he’ll finally know love, care, and security.

But for roosters like George, this story is the exception, not the rule. Every egg consumed fuels an industry where roosters are disposable.

👉 You can help make a difference. Choose compassion and leave eggs off your plate. For roosters like Mr George Anderson, it’s a choice that saves lives.

💚 Together, we can create a kinder world for all animals.



Thanks to Daisy, Nicole & Alex, Tracy, Lyndal, Teena and Michelle ❤️

09/01/2025

Arriving just before Christmas, little Archie has slotted into sanctuary life like he was born here. We've been loving getting to know him and he has been showing us his huge personality (and love for nuzzling everyone very passionately with his snout). This is no little piggy personality wise; he is gigantic!

We took this pic shortly after he first arrived and only a few weeks later, he's already grown so much. We look forward to bringing you more of his adventures around the sanctuary.

Archie has a small surgery booked in today (his castration) and we just know he's going to take the whole adventure to the vets in his perfectly pink and sassy stride.

If you'd like to help animals like Archie the piglet, you can join our $5 Friday club. By contributing any amount on a regular basis (weekly or monthly), you help us immensely, ensuring we have a stable funding base to provide ongoing care to animals just as perfectly themselves, and deserving of a loving life as Archie.

Link in the comments ⬇️

07/01/2025

🐷Archie’s Great Adventure! 🐷

Today, after a lunchtime soy milk snack, baby Archie and I headed off for his very first adventure!

Pigs are incredibly clever, having some adventures where he can explore new sights and smells will help to keep this little guy happy and mentally stimulated.

He’s also super cute in his harness 🐷🥰

Pigs like Archie have so much personality and absolute passion for life, it’s a joy to behold. We just wish the world was as kind to all pigs, and we’ll keep working with all our might until it is.

We hope Archie brings a smile to your dial ☺️❤️🐷❤️