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.
Sammie is an elderly ducky who came to live at Big Ears after being found on the roadside, most likely hit by a car. His leg was inflamed but nothing broken. Poor Sammie never got full use of his leg back and now that he is older he likes his food brought to him so he doesn’t have to walk to far. Sammie lives with other physically challenged ducks so that they can all get along and we can make sure they all get food without competing with the able bodied, younger ducks in the big duck yard. Sammie loves it when his special water pool is filled with fresh water and he is the first in to have a bath no matter how cold it is.
You can sponsor Sammie for $50.00 for 12 months or choose to give a monthly donation for just $5.00 a month. Sponsorship goes towards his health checks and parasite treatment.
Lorry arrived at the sanctuary in May 2017. Lorry is a cross Jersey steer who was found in a ditch on the side of the road. He had either jumped or fallen from a livestock truck on the way to the Cressy slaughterhouse.
His rescuer hand reared him for 2 years where she taught him to walk on a halter and come to his name. Lorry was provided with all he needed and more, except for the one thing his rescuer couldn’t provide – same species companionship. That’s why he now has a forever home at Big Ears.
You can sponsor Lorry for $200.00 for 12 months or choose to give a monthly donation of just $20.00 a month. Sponsorship goes towards his vet check, vaccinations and parasite control.
Fonzy the pig was surrendered to Big Ears on the 11th August 2011. Fonzies story is like many miniature pigs. He was bought as a piglet and the seller told the purchaser that as Fonzy was a miniature pig he would only be small when he grew up. This is a myth as in Australia we don’t have miniature pigs. We do have pigs that grow smaller than a normal pig but when we say smaller we mean approx. 200 – 300kg. When a pig gets to that size a normal suburban house yard is no longer suitable as a pig loves to plow up the ground.
You can sponsor Fonzy 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.
Oreo was surrendered to Big Ears on the 28th February 2017, with two of her babies, Mintie and Cookie. It wasn’t long before we realised Oreo was pregnant. Some weeks later she gave birth to 5 beautiful babies. Oreo is a lovely rabbit that has been an excellent mother. Oreo lives with Bonita.
You can sponsor Oreo for $50.00 for 12 months upfront or choose to give a monthly donation of just $5.00 a month ongoing.
Sponsorship goes towards her vet checks, parasite medications and her twice yearly vaccinations.
Socrates came to the sanctuary in 2011. He had been a feral cat that was tamed, but attacked all cats that he was paired with. He is 99% friendly and cuddly and 1% terrifying.
He is on a special diet as has feline lower urinary tract disease and is prone to develop crystals in his bladder.
He has also had half of his thyroid gland removed as it was cancerous and caused hyperthyroidism.
Sponsorship of Socrates 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.
Ebony came to Big Ears when her owner passed away from cancer. She is a very friendly sheep who is also very curious. She loves a scratch on the head and little food surprises.
Sponsorship of Ebony is $100.00 upfront for 12 months or just $10 a month. Sponsorship will go towards her drench, hoof trimming and shear.
