Kind to All Kinds

Alex Radford from Marlborough’s Te Paranui Animal Sanctuary introduces us to the many wild and wonderful creatures who have found shelter in this rural slice of paradise.

Amidst the rolling landscapes of Marlborough, just north of where State Highway 1 crosses the mighty Wairau River, is a place that embodies the very concept of refuge. Tucked in the sleepy settlement of Tuamarina, Te Paranui is both a permaculture homestead and animal sanctuary, boasting a sustainably self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem and six acres of grassland amid the tranquil Para Wetland.

Alex Radford is Te Paranui Animal Sanctuary’s manager, a Marlborough native and longtime vegan with a diploma in Animal Welfare. Starting as volunteer and resident before moving into the role of full-time manager, Alex explains that the sanctuary got its start in 2015 as a “permaculture paradise”. It wasn’t until 2019 that the sanctuary operation was “unofficially” developed, working on gaining enough support to thrive while conducting rescues of cattle and sheep in the beginning days.    

“In July 2021, ensuring we were well set up correctly for incoming rescues became our next priority,” she says. “So we expanded the animal sanctuary and started to build more dwellings and shelters for small animals needing a temporary or permanent home.”

Today, Te Paranui is home to 86 animals from 16 different species, running the gamut from hulking 1000-kilogram cattle to tiny 35-gram diamond doves. Come August 2022, the Te Paranui Animal & Farm Sanctuary Trust was founded as a not-for-profit registered charity to rescue farm animals from slaughter and find forever homes for ex-pet and ex-farm animals.

“It has been truly incredible watching the sanctuary develop into what it is today.”

A Diverse Cast

While some sanctuaries have a very prescriptive remit when it comes to the kind of animals they care for, Te Paranui has a very openhearted stance when it comes to the diversity of its residents.

“We try our best to rescue any animal in need of our assistance, whether it is from slaughter, domestic abuse within a family household, financial burden, car crash victims, or even from cases of animal abuse,” Alex explains.

This generous philosophy has given rise to a rather eclectic cast at the sanctuary. One such resident is the beautiful ruru, Aotearoa’s only remaining native owl species, sometimes known as the morepork. Te Paranui has rescued ruru that have been hit by vehicles, releasing them into the sanctuary’s lush native forest. As night falls on the homestead the birds’ distinctive, melancholic song can be heard beneath the stars.

Animals need not be showy to set up camp at te Paranui, however. The sanctuary provides refuge for scores of domesticated animals as well, including cattle, sheep, alpaca, goats, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, cats, dogs, donkeys, ponies, pigs, finches, doves, cockatiels, and numerous types of fish.  

“But I must say cattle are by far my favourite here at the sanctuary,” Alex admits. “They are one of the most abused animals on this planet, which is utterly heartbreaking, as they are just gentle giants who want as much love as your family dog.”

Lending a Hand

As the sanctuary manager, Alex is responsible for running the operation, from volunteer coordination and animal care to social media and general day-to-day tasks. Her efforts have ensured Te Paranui is a safe haven for a wide array of animals while she works indefatigably to find loving forever homes for them. She is assisted by Harrison, who dedicates his time and skills as a roofer and has been a “lifesaver” at the sanctuary.

“The sanctuary also has volunteers who live on-site, they travel here from all parts of the world, it’s truly incredible meeting so many people who want to help the sanctuary,” says Alex. “We would be lost without them.”

On Saturdays, between 10am and 2pm, the public is invited to visit Te Paranui and meet the animals available for adoption and school visits are also welcome, where students can learn about plant-based eating and how to responsibly care for animals. The sanctuary also does care home visits, at which lucky residents can partake in animal therapy with Olive the cow and Boe the goat. 

If you’d like to find out how you can visit, volunteer, or donate to help Te Paranui continue to do its amazing work, visit www.teparanui.nz. 

Theodore the Steer

Theodore was one of the first cattle residents at Te Paranui, he is a six-year-old steer who came to the sanctuary back in 2018. Theodore was rescued along with his best friend, Colin, when they were four days old and facing slaughter, due to being bobby calves. Theodore really enjoys food, being groomed with his favourite brush, and cuddles. He dislikes waiting for his food to arrive; you will hear him from a mile away if you’re even seconds late.

Pepper the Pig

Pepper was the first rescue to set foot on sanctuary grounds. She was surrendered to Te Paranui after her mother was shot by a hunter in nearby bush land. She loves food, food, and more food! 

Sushi the Sheep

Sushi is one of our first sheep rescued back in 2021, when she was a dog attack victim and was facing slaughter. Luckily Te Paranui had the facilities to take sweet Sushi and now she resides here permanently at the sanctuary. Sushi loves food but can be shy at times.

Ricky the Rooster

Ricky was surrendered to the sanctuary by the SPCA after spending one year at their facility. Sadly, no one wanted to adopt poor Ricky. He is an awesome boy and takes amazing care of his rescue hens, ensuring they have the best feed and protecting them from predators. Ricky’s likes are his girlfriends and his dislikes are hawks.

Aotearoa Vegan and Plant Based Living Magazine
This article was sourced from the Autumn  2024 edition of The Vegan Society magazine.
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The articles we present in our magazine and blog have been written by many authors and are are not necessarily the views and policies of the Vegan Society.