Running a sanctuary takes more than pats, cuddles and kisses. It also takes a lot of money. As a not for profit registered charity we rely on the goodwill of those who care about animals. Every day expenses include feed, shelters, medication, cleaning, veterinary assistance, and fencing. These costs add up and any donation, no matter how big or small, will help the animals. We are a No Kill Sanctuary which means that animals that are not suitable to be re-homed, or have special needs stay here for the remainder of their lives.
Sponsorship does not cover the full cost of caring for the animals, nor does it take into account their feeding costs. It is with this in mind that Big Ears encourages the animals to be sponsored by more than one sponsor.
We understand that an upfront payment doesn’t suit everybody so for less than most people spend on coffee you can choose ongoing monthly payments from as little as $5.00 per month.
Sponsors are sent a laminated certificate with the name and photo of the sponsored animal thanking them for their sponsorship as well as a Big Ears sticker.
Big Ears would really love some corporate sponsorship to help with ongoing costs. 100% of all donations is spent on the animals – there are no wages paid, all staff are volunteers.
Roddie the Scottish Highland steer came to live at Big Ears in April 2015. He had been raised from a calf but when he got bigger he was in put in a paddock on his own. Cows live together in herds as they are prey animals and the herd provides them with protection. As Roddie had no herd he was always scared and kept to the corner of his paddock. When he matured he would get so scared he would run through fences and end up on neighbouring farms. Because of his habit of escaping Roddie needed a new home and Big Ears provided one.
On the day Roddie arrived at Big Ears all our other cows formed a circle around him. Roddie walked into the centre of the circle, laid himself down and proceeded to sleep, feeling for the first time safe because he was protected by the herd.
Roddie has fit right in with the Big Ears herd and he is loving being part of a group. As the largest and oldest steer he has won the hearts of the girls and the admiration of the boys.
Sponsorship of Roddie is $200.00 for 12 months or just $20.00 a month which goes towards her parasite control and health checks.
Coco is a bit of a tank. He is best friends with Cinnamon and had to move to Big Ears in April 2015 after their human passed away.
You can sponsor Coco for $100.00 for 12 months or choose to give a monthly donation of just $10.00 a month. Sponsorship goes towards his health treatments and care.
Waffles the mini donkey was surrendered to Big Ears when his owner passed away in April 2015. He is a lovely boy with lots of character. His hooves were in a bad way and have since been trimmed back into shape. Waffles doesn’t believe he is a donkey. He thinks he is a miniature pony like his girlfriend Dolly, who he grew up with and is best friends.
Sponsorship of Muffin is just $200 upfront for 12 months or for just $20.00 a month ongoing. Sponsorship goes towards her annual teeth check by an equine dentist and her 4 to 6 weekly hoof trims as well as 3 monthly worming.
Squidgy the cat was hit by a car in March 2011 which resulted in a broken jaw. She was taken to the vet where she was operated on but no one ever came to claim her. The vet contacted Big Ears and Squidgy now calls the sanctuary her home. She lives in a specially made enclosure with her friend Oliver.
Sponsorship of Squidgy is $100.00 per year for 12 months or for just $10 a month. His sponsorship goes towards his vet checks, vaccinations and parasite control.
King George was found dumped by the roadside in the South of the State. He somehow survived a council ‘culling’ which involved poison and was rescued by a kind lady and brought to Big Ears to live.
Sponsorship is just $50.00 upfront for 12 months or just $5.00 a month ongoing.
Sponsorship goes towards his health checks, and parasite control.
