THE ANIMALS OF WATERHOEK

Not attractions. Not utilities. Beings with stories, personalities, dignity, and value.

The animals at Waterhoek are part of the family and part of the teaching. Many have been rescued, rehabilitated, or slowly restored into trust. They live freely, are handled with care, and are treated as beings with emotional lives, preferences, intelligence, and dignity. When people arrive at Waterhoek, they often notice it quickly: the animals are unusually peaceful. That peace is not accidental. It is practiced.

MEET THE FAMILY

Amana is home to many kinds of teachers.

The farm is home to horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, chickens and dogs. Some animals are bold. Some are shy. Some are cheeky. Some are healing. Some become teachers without ever being asked. Over time, each animal profile will include a short story, photos, personality notes, and what that animal has taught us.

Meet the Horses

Gentle teachers of trust, boundaries, and presence. Each horse has a unique story and way of relating.

Meet the Donkeys

Curious, grounded, and quietly affectionate. They help visitors slow down and notice what matters.

Meet the Cows

Social, gentle, and surprisingly dog-like. Part of the emotional life and daily rhythm of the farm.

Meet the Pigs

Expressive, intelligent, and full of character. They bring humour and honesty to the farmyard.

Meet the Farm Dogs

Loyal, energetic, and woven into the fabric of farm life. They teach belonging through consistency.

Meet the Chickens

Busy, social, and part of the daily rhythm. Small routines that remind us that presence matters.

Animal profiles

Meet the horses of Amana.

Each horse in the Amana herd has a story, a personality, and something to teach. These profiles introduce the beings who help make peace visible at Waterhoek.

Horse

Calypso

Calypso is a beautiful young horse with a very special story. He is Destiny's son and was born on a farm where he lived wild and free, without human handling. When he came to us, he was completely feral. Humans were something unfamiliar, and he had never experienced the gentle touch, care, and connection that many horses know from a young age. When a horse has grown up without human contact, trust cannot be expected — it has to be earned. We have taken Calypso's journey very slowly. Instead of rushing to train him, we have focused on helping him understand that humans can be safe. Little by little, he has started to open his heart. We can now touch his face, give him gentle rubs on his neck, and he happily comes to us for his feed. These may seem like small things, but for a horse like Calypso, every step is a huge victory. He is an incredibly curious and beautiful horse. Beneath his fear is a gentle soul who is beginning to discover the world around him. Calypso is still very sensitive and can become fearful with sudden movements, so we continue to listen to him and move at his pace. We are not trying to take away his sensitivity — we are helping him learn that his sensitivity is safe. We are so excited to begin the next chapter of his journey and start introducing him to groundwork and partnership. Calypso reminds us that trust is not built in one big moment. It is built through hundreds of small moments where a horse learns: 'I am safe. I am heard. I can trust.' We cannot wait to see the incredible horse Calypso becomes. 🤍

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Horse

Chimwewe

Chimwewe came to us with Steve after we found them abandoned on a farm. He is an extraordinarily beautiful horse with a striking golden dapple coat, but his body carries evidence of a much harder story. We don't know exactly how old he is or everything that has happened to him, but he has an old injury on his side that has left a large indentation in his rib cage. Despite whatever Chimwewe has experienced, he has the gentlest nature with people. He is affectionate, kind and seems to genuinely enjoy human connection. With horses, however, we see another side of him. Chimwewe absolutely loves the mares and can display quite stallion-like behaviour around them. He becomes extremely protective of his mares and can be quite fierce when he feels he needs to look after them. As we get to know him, we are allowing Chimwewe time to settle, feel safe and find his place within the herd while we continue to learn more about what his body and behaviour are telling us. His rehabilitation with Amana has only just begun. Our hope is that, with time, patience and gentle, clear boundaries, Chimwewe will continue to soften and eventually be ready for a carefully chosen forever home where he will be understood, loved and cherished. For now, we are simply giving him the opportunity to discover what life can feel like when he is safe.

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Horse

Chocolate

Chocolate is a 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who has been with Donna since he was three. Highly sensitive, playful, and full of adventure, he loves exploring on outrides and is always ready to discover something new. Chocolate is Donna's favourite riding horse, but he only gives his best to those who first build a genuine connection with him. He reminds us that true partnership is never forced—it is earned through trust and relationship.

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Horse

Clarabella

Clarabella's full story will be added soon. She is a beloved member of the Amana herd and her profile is coming together.

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Horse

Costner

Costner is an 18 year old Warmblood gelding. Strong, confident, and naturally dominant, he has always been a protector. While he doesn't feel responsible for the whole herd, he is deeply devoted to the mares he loves—especially Tallulah—and will quietly watch over and defend them. As he has matured, Costner has become calmer and no longer feels the need to prove his strength. His quiet presence brings a sense of security to those in his care.

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Horse

Demelza

Demelza is an eight-year-old Warmblood mare with a strong, confident personality. As a youngster, she constantly tested boundaries and could be difficult to handle, often kicking, biting, and challenging both people and the herd. Through years of patient groundwork, consistency, and trust, Demelza has transformed into a willing and affectionate horse. While she is still selective about the relationships she forms, she has learned to regulate her emotions and is now beginning her ridden journey with confidence.

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Horse

Destiny

Destiny is a beautiful 19-year-old mare whose journey brought her to us from a slaughterhouse. At first glance, Destiny is a stunning horse. She is beautifully put together and carries herself with a quiet elegance. But underneath her beauty was a story of deep trauma, especially around her head and face. When Destiny first arrived, nobody could come near her face. Her way of coping was to turn her hindquarters towards people. It was not an act of aggression — she was not trying to kick — it was her way of communicating what she needed. Interestingly, she actually loved people being near her hindquarters because she enjoyed bum scratches! But the moment someone moved towards her face, her fear would return and she would turn away again. This taught us something important: Destiny was not a difficult horse. She was a horse trying to protect herself from something that had once caused her fear. Even something as simple as offering her a treat was challenging. She could not yet trust a hand coming towards her face. Slowly, patiently, and with lots of understanding, we began helping Destiny rewrite that story. Step by step, she has learned that human hands can bring comfort instead of fear. We have slowly worked towards accepting a halter and helping her feel safer with touch around her head and face. Her progress has not been about forcing her to overcome her fear — it has been about giving her enough safety to choose trust. We are incredibly grateful that we have found a beautiful forever home for Destiny. She will move on to the next chapter of her life when she has had more time to work through her trauma and when she feels safe enough to travel in the trailer. Destiny's story reminds us that healing has no timeline. At 19 years old, she is still learning, still growing, and still discovering that the world can be a safe place. We are so honoured to have been part of her journey, and we cannot wait to see her flourish in the loving home she deserves. 🤍

Horse

Eros

Eros is a magnificent 22 year old, palomino gelding with a story of survival, healing, and learning to trust. Before coming to us, Eros spent many years as a stallion, and his journey eventually brought him to us from a slaughterhouse. We do not know everything he experienced before arriving at Amana, but we do know that he carried a lot of fear with him. Eros is a big, beautiful horse with a very sensitive soul. From the beginning, it was clear that trust would need to be earned slowly. He is an extremely fearful horse, and every interaction with him has required patience, gentleness, and a willingness to listen. With horses like Eros, progress is not measured by how quickly they can be ridden or how much they can do. Progress is measured in the small moments — a horse choosing to come closer, relaxing in your presence, accepting touch, and learning that humans can be safe. Eros's journey has taken time, and it is still taking time, but every little step matters. We are incredibly grateful that Eros already has a beautiful forever home waiting for him — a place where he will be loved, respected, and allowed to simply be a horse. He will not be ridden; instead, he will spend the rest of his days experiencing peace, companionship, and joy. The last piece of Eros's journey with us is helping him feel safe with the trailer. We are taking this slowly because we want his first journey to his new home to be one of trust, not fear. When Eros is ready, he will begin the next chapter of his life. His story reminds us that every horse deserves a chance to heal. Some horses come to us to become riding partners, and some come to us simply to discover that they are loved. Eros deserves nothing less than a life filled with freedom, kindness, and happiness. We are honoured to have been part of his journey. 🤍

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Horse

Fitch

Fitch is a 16-year-old imported Warmblood stallion with an impressive background in dressage and breeding. Well known for his presence, he is a magnificent horse with a gentle, kind, and exceptionally well-mannered temperament. Fitch has recently joined the Amana herd, and we are excited to watch him develop through the Amana Method. He is a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to seeing how his body and movement continue to transform as his journey unfolds.

Horse

Flynn

Flynn is a five-year-old Thoroughbred × Arabian × Welsh Pony gelding. Confident, willing, and full of character, he is a joy to work with and approaches life with curiosity and enthusiasm. Playful and cheeky, Flynn loves spending time with the other geldings and brings plenty of fun to the herd. His kind nature, willingness to learn, and safe temperament make him a wonderful prospect as a children's riding horse and future therapy pony.

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Horse

Goose

Goose is a beautiful 16-year-old gelding whose journey brought him to us from a slaughterhouse. Like many of the horses who arrive at Amana, we do not know the details of his past. We only know that he came to us carrying uncertainty and fear, and that he deserved the opportunity to experience something different. When Goose first arrived, he was very nervous. But what was so beautiful about him was how quickly he began to let go of that fear. It did not take long before he started seeking connection, enjoying human touch, and allowing love in. Goose has one of the sweetest hearts. He genuinely enjoys people and loves attention. There is a gentleness about him that makes everyone who meets him want to spend time with him. Physically, Goose has very skew legs, and because of this we have made the decision that he will never be ridden. But we believe that every horse has value far beyond what they can do physically. Goose has become a wonderful part of our Equine Facilitated Learning sessions, where he helps people experience connection, trust, compassion, and the quiet wisdom that horses offer. He does not need to carry a rider to have a purpose. His purpose is simply to be Goose — a kind, loving soul who helps others feel seen and accepted. We are also incredibly grateful that Goose will be moving to his forever home together with Eros. These two horses have shared part of their journey with us, and it will be beautiful to see them continue their lives together in a place where they will be loved, cared for, and allowed to simply enjoy being horses. Goose's story reminds us that sometimes the most valuable horses are not the ones who perform the most — they are the ones who teach us the most. We are so grateful that Goose became part of the Amana family. 🤍

Horse

Gypsy

Gypsy is a beautiful 12-year-old mare who came to us from the same farm as Smudgy, where she had spent around 10 years living wild and free. Her earlier story is unknown, but we do know that her owner rescued her after finding her at a slaughterhouse. We can only imagine the journey that brought her to that point, but what we do know is that Gypsy is a horse with incredible strength, character, and resilience. Gypsy is Smudgy's sister, and she has a very strong personality. She is naturally confident and has taken on a leadership role within the herd. She is a mare who knows herself, has strong opinions, and carries a quiet presence that other horses respect. When Gypsy first arrived, we did not rush to start training her. We felt that the most important thing was for her to have time — time to settle, time to find her place, time to experience safety and learn that she belonged. At Amana, we believe that trust comes before training. A horse is not a blank canvas to be shaped; they are individuals with their own stories, personalities, and needs. Now that Gypsy has settled into the herd and built that foundation of trust, we are ready to begin her groundwork journey. We believe Gypsy has an exciting future ahead of her. She is the perfect size and has the confidence and personality to become an amazing trail horse. We look forward to slowly building a partnership with her, backing her when she is ready, and exploring the beautiful trails of the farm together. Gypsy reminds us that leadership is not about control — true leadership comes from confidence, trust, and the ability to create safety for those around you. We cannot wait to see what this beautiful mare's next chapter holds. 🤍

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Horse

Hope

Hope is a beautiful 9-year-old pony with a story that is very different from many of the horses who come to us. Hope was born on a friend's farm and spent his entire early life untouched by humans. When he arrived at Amana, he was completely feral. He had never experienced human hands, human care, or the kind of relationship that many of our horses already know. Rather than rushing him, we chose to give Hope something he needed most — time. For two years, we allowed him to simply be a horse. He lived within the herd, learned the rhythms of farm life, found his place among his friends, and experienced safety without pressure. Now, as he has settled and grown in confidence, we have slowly started the next chapter of his journey — introducing human connection. Hope is still very fearful and easily startled, so we are taking every step at his pace. We have started by building trust through something simple and meaningful: sharing food. He now accepts treats from a feed bag, and we are gently beginning to touch his face and show him that human hands can be kind. Every small try is a huge victory. Hope is a beautiful pony with a big personality and so much character. We know this journey will require patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of how trust is built, but we are excited to walk alongside him. We cannot wait to see the incredible horse that Hope discovers he can become. 🤍

Horse

Hunter

We recently welcomed beautiful Hunter to Amana Sanctuary. Hunter is a 20-year-old Thoroughbred who belongs to the lovely Tarryn, who has entrusted him into our care for his retirement years. He is a gentle, beautiful boy who tends to keep to himself. He hasn't fully integrated into the herd yet and still prefers his own space, but there is no rush. We trust that, with time, he will find his place and form the relationships that feel right for him. Hunter is incredibly fortunate to have an owner who remains very much a part of his life. Taryn visits him almost every month, covers all of his costs and continues to make sure that he has everything he needs. It is beautiful to see this kind of lifelong commitment to a horse. One of the things we love about Amana is seeing our elderly horses simply being allowed to grow old — surrounded by space, companionship, good food, gentle care and people who love them. Hunter has worked enough. Now it is his time to simply be a horse and enjoy his retirement.

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Horse

Noodle

Noodle came to us three years ago, right at the beginning of our journey on the farm. He was born with skew legs and was destined to become a show jumper with what should have been a bright future ahead of him. But his body struggled. He repeatedly went lame and suffered from constant colic. Every time he was in pain, his body tried to protect him — bracing, compensating, twisting and carrying tension. His neck became severely crooked, and his whole spine was affected by years of trying to cope. His owner trusted us with his rehabilitation, and for three years we walked a journey with this beautiful horse. Slowly, we started to see incredible changes. Noodle stopped colicking — from suffering an episode roughly every two weeks, he eventually stopped completely. His body strengthened. He became sound. His neck began to unwind. He looked happier, moved better, and started enjoying life as a horse again. For a while, Noodle showed us just how much healing was possible when a horse is given time, understanding, and the right environment. Sadly, recently Noodle became lame again. As his body began compensating for the pain, those old patterns returned and his neck started twisting once more. After having him x-rayed, we received the heartbreaking news that the bone was deteriorating. After much love, prayer and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to let Noodle go. But we do not want his story to end with his goodbye. We will keep Noodle's pictures here because he deserves to be remembered. He was not just a horse we rehabilitated — he was a beloved member of our herd. He taught us about resilience, patience, listening to the body, and the importance of quality of life. Most importantly, Noodle got to experience something every horse deserves: a life where he was loved, accepted, and allowed to simply be a horse. His final years were filled with friends, freedom, sunshine, and a herd that loved him. He knew safety. He knew belonging. He knew joy. And for that, we are grateful. Run free, beautiful Noodle. You will always be part of the Amana family. 🤍

Horse

Nova

Nova is a beautiful Appaloosa mare who came to us as a rescue. Her body carries some of the story of her past, although much of that story we will never know. She has a large scar and an old injury on her left leg, and she is blind in one eye. We don't know what happened to Nova before she came to us, but she is an incredibly sweet and gentle mare who can understandably be very nervous, particularly because she cannot see on one side. What has been beautiful to witness is her relationship with Steve. Nova and Steve are deeply bonded, and she chooses to stay close to him, often positioning herself so that Steve is on her blind side. He seems to understand her vulnerability and quietly helps her navigate the world. He leads her, stays close to her and gives her a sense of security when she is unsure. Their relationship is a beautiful reminder of how horses can support and care for one another in ways we don't always fully understand. Nova has already found a wonderful forever home. For now, she will remain with us while we continue her rehabilitation and help her build greater confidence and trust. In a few months, when she is ready, she will begin the next chapter of her life with a family who will love and cherish her. Until then, she has Steve beside her.

Horse

Phoenix

A story of dignity, love and listening. Phoenix came to AMANA as an elderly horse who had almost been forgotten. A beautiful chestnut gelding of around 15.3hh, Phoenix carries a brand from a well-known trail centre where he had worked earlier in his life. He was eventually retired and given away, and somewhere along the way his story took a heartbreaking turn. By the time we found him, he had been left on a farm and was slowly starving. We brought him home to AMANA and began the gentle process of rebuilding him. Phoenix slowly started gaining weight, but it soon became clear that there was more to his condition than simply needing food. An equine dentist estimated him to be around 30 years old. He had lost a number of teeth and his remaining teeth made it very difficult for him to eat enough to maintain his body condition. We were advised to consider euthanasia. It was not a decision we wanted to make simply because Phoenix was old or because caring for him had become difficult. We looked at the horse standing in front of us. Phoenix was still eating. He still sought connection. He enjoyed affection and attention. He seemed peaceful and content. There was still life in his eyes. So we prayed, listened and decided to give him more time. His feeding programme was completely changed. Instead of expecting him to manage like a younger horse, we adapted his world to meet him where he was. Phoenix began receiving six carefully prepared meals throughout the day, approximately every two and a half hours. One of our volunteers, Owami, formed a particularly beautiful relationship with Phoenix and took on much of his feeding and care. Owami would often sit with him, playing guitar and singing while Phoenix rested nearby. Phoenix's story has become about much more than rescuing an old horse. He reminds us that sometimes care is not about fixing an animal or asking them to become something different. Sometimes it is simply about seeing the individual in front of us and asking: What do you need from us now? At AMANA, we believe that quality of life must always come before our own desire to hold on. We continue to listen carefully to Phoenix and allow his comfort, dignity and wellbeing to guide the decisions we make for him. For as long as Phoenix tells us that he is comfortable and wants to be here, we will meet him where he is — with nourishing food, gentle hands, companionship, music and love. After everything he has given humans throughout his life, perhaps this chapter is simply about allowing him to receive.

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Horse

Promise

Promise is a six-year-old Appaloosa × Shire gelding and Tallulah's son. Playful, curious, and full of personality, he loves spending his days playing with the other geldings and is always looking for something to investigate—or chew! Promise experiences the world a little differently and thrives with clear boundaries, patience, and a genuine connection. Once he feels safe and understands what is being asked, he is a willing partner. Having recently been backed, he is continuing to grow in confidence as he learns and matures.

Horse

Quizzy

Quizzy is another beautiful soul whose journey began at a slaughterhouse. Like so many of the horses who come to us, we do not know the full story of her past, but we know that she deserves a future filled with safety, understanding, and love. Since arriving at Amana, Quizzy has been part of our rehabilitation program. We have spent a lot of time building a relationship with her through groundwork — helping her understand communication, develop confidence, and learn that humans can be trusted. Today, Quizzy is being ridden, and she is showing us more and more of who she truly is. She is an incredibly sweet mare, but as our relationship with her has deepened, we have also seen the anxiety that she carries. Sometimes the fear underneath the surface appears, and this is where her real healing journey begins. Quizzy is very sensitive. She feels deeply, and she does not respond well to being forced or pushed when she is unsure. Instead, she needs patience, kindness, and clear communication. She teaches us that resistance is often not disobedience — sometimes it is simply a horse asking us to listen. At the moment, we are helping Quizzy work through her anxiety, building her confidence and showing her that she does not have to carry the weight of her fears alone. Quizzy has a wonderful future ahead of her. She is a lovely weight carrier and has already shown that she can be a beautiful trail riding pony. With continued support and understanding, we believe she will become an incredible partner for someone who values connection over performance. Quizzy reminds us that healing is not always about changing a horse's personality — it is about creating enough safety for them to reveal their true selves. We are honoured to be part of her journey. 🤍

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Horse

Resolution

Resolution is a three-year-old Warmblood gelding with exceptional breeding who came to Amana after developing stringhalt and facing an uncertain future. We welcomed him into our herd and are carefully rehabilitating his body, giving him every opportunity to reach his full potential. Gentle, affectionate, and kind-hearted, Resolution is a joy to be around. Whether he becomes a riding horse or simply shares his calm presence as a therapy horse, we know he has something special to offer.

Horse

Shenzi

Shenzi is one of those very special souls who reminds us why we do what we do. When we rescued his herd, every one of them had a story. They had either been found at, or bought from, the slaughterhouse. Most of them arrived carrying fear and uncertainty, but Shenzi was different. He was the only one we could touch when he first arrived. From the very beginning, Shenzi showed us his beautiful heart. He is the sweetest pony, and although he is a horse, he is more like a little lap dog! He is always the first one to come and say hello, always looking for affection, kisses, and connection. His trust in humans is something truly precious. Shenzi has been part of our rehabilitation program, where we have focused on building his confidence, improving his body, and creating a true partnership through groundwork. We are still continuing this journey, taking the time to help him develop strength, balance, and correct movement. We have recently started backing Shenzi, and he is now beginning his first walks under saddle. As with all our horses, we are not rushing him. We want him to understand his body, feel confident, and enjoy the process. We believe Shenzi has a beautiful future ahead of him. With his kind nature and willing heart, we believe he will become a wonderful outride horse — one who can share the joy of connection with people on the beautiful trails around our farm. But before he becomes someone's riding partner, he gets to simply be Shenzi. A horse who was once at risk now gets to experience love, friendship, freedom, and purpose. His story is a reminder that sometimes the gentlest souls are the ones who have overcome the most. We are so grateful that Shenzi chose us to be part of his journey. 🤍

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Horse

Simba

Simba is a 39-year-old Boerperd gelding who was rescued by Donna 10 years ago. Once deeply shut down and withdrawn, years of patience and gentle care helped him rediscover his playful spirit. Now retired due to arthritis, Simba still enjoys life to the fullest. He loves playing with the younger geldings, often rearing, chasing, and reminding everyone that you're never too old to have fun.

Horse

Smudgy

Smudgy came to us from a farm where she had spent about 10 years living wild and free. Her story before that is mostly unknown. Her previous owner rescued her after finding her at a slaughterhouse, so we can only imagine that she has experienced things in her past that shaped the sensitive little horse she is today. Smudgy is around 13–14 years old, and she is an incredibly beautiful and special mare. She is extremely sensitive and feels everything deeply. She is a horse who does not respond to force or pressure — she needs patience, understanding, and a gentle approach. One of the beautiful things about Smudgy is that, although she struggles with boundaries, when those boundaries are offered with kindness, consistency, and love, she accepts them. She teaches us that boundaries do not need to create fear or disconnection — they can actually create safety and trust. We have taken things slowly with Smudgy. So far, our work with her has mainly been groundwork, focusing on building communication, trust, and helping her understand that humans can be a safe place. She is a gorgeous little horse with so much potential. We believe that with time, patience, and the right person, Smudgy could become a wonderful child's pony and could enjoy many different disciplines. But most importantly, we want Smudgy to know that she is valued for who she is — not for what she can do.

Horse

Steve — From Fear and Pain to Trust

We rescued Steve from a township, where he belonged to a young boy who loved his horse but was living with hardship and pain of his own. Through a lack of knowledge and understanding, Steve was ridden very harshly. When Steve came to us, the evidence of his past was written on his body. The corners of his mouth were badly damaged from heavy use of the bit, and his back carried old saddle sores and scars. His topline was deeply hollow, reflecting years of carrying himself under discomfort and poorly fitting tack. Steve was also carrying so much fear. He could be defensive, angry and quick to kick — behaviours we don't see as Steve being "bad," but as communication from a horse who had learned that he needed to protect himself. He has only been with us for a short time, but already we are beginning to see small, beautiful changes. Steve is slowly learning to receive affection. He is beginning to soften around people, to seek connection and, little by little, to discover that he can feel safe. There is no rush. We will give Steve the time he needs to heal, physically and emotionally, and allow trust to grow at his pace. Our hope is that, when Steve is ready, we will find him a beautiful forever home where he will be loved, understood and treated with the gentleness and dignity he deserves. For now, his rehabilitation continues — one small moment of trust at a time.

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Horse

Summa

Summa is a Thoroughbred gelding who came to Amana as a five-year-old thoroughbred breeding stallion. In the beginning he was strong, reactive, and difficult to handle, but through patient groundwork and consistent handling, he has become much calmer and more relaxed. Although he still has a few stallion-like traits and a soft spot for the mares, Summa continues to make wonderful progress. He is now under saddle and is growing into a willing, confident partner.

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Horse

Takoda

Takoda is a nine-month-old Appaloosa × Clydesdale × Warmblood colt with a bright future ahead of him. Confident, fearless, and full of personality, he has already integrated beautifully into the herd and believes he's one of the big boys. Always on the move, Takoda loves to play and is forever finding something to chew—especially the other horses' fly fringes! His cheeky nature and endless curiosity make him a joy to watch as he grows and learns from the herd.

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Horse

Tallulah

Tallulah is a 16-year-old Appaloosa mare and the mother of Promise and Takoda. Gentle, kind, and deeply nurturing, she is a wonderful riding horse and a devoted mother. Tallulah is one of the herd's peacekeepers. She is often the first to welcome new horses, quietly befriending them and helping them settle into the herd. Although incredibly sweet, she is also very sensitive and thrives with clear, gentle communication. When she understands what is being asked of her, she gives her whole heart.

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Horse

Tayyara

Tayyara has been with Donna for 15 years. Now 18 years old, she came off the racetrack as a three-year-old. For many years she was anxious and reactive, and Donna and Tayyara have walked a long healing journey together, often mirroring one another. As Donna has grown emotionally, so has Tayyara. Today, she has become one of the teachers in the herd—patiently guiding younger horses with calm, clear boundaries and quiet confidence. In many ways, Tayyara now reflects Donna's own role: gently helping others grow through relationship, trust, and love.

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Horse

Tommy

Tommy is a six-year-old Warmblood × Clydesdale gelding who is just beginning his groundwork journey. Gentle, affectionate, and eager to be with people, Tommy loves attention and genuinely enjoys learning. With his calm nature and kind heart, Tommy is already a wonderful therapy horse. We look forward to watching him continue to grow and discover all that he is capable of.

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Horse

Trompie

Trompie is a very special little pony with a huge personality. We rescued Trompie from a farm where it was clear that he had experienced trauma. When he first arrived, he was extremely frightened of people. His fear told a story of a pony who had learned that humans were not always a safe place. Trompie is a 9-year-old Shetland pony, and although he may be small in size, he has the biggest character. He has the widest chest you will ever see on a pony, and he carries a presence much bigger than himself! When Trompie arrived, his feet had been severely neglected. His hooves were so long that they had started to curl upwards, and we had to have him safely tranquilised in order to help him. We are still working patiently with his hind feet, which remain quite skew, but every step forward is part of his healing journey. The beautiful thing about Trompie is that underneath his fear was a loving, funny little pony waiting to be discovered. Slowly, with patience, kindness, and consistency, Trompie is learning to trust. He absolutely loves his friends in the paddock and has even formed a special friendship with our stallion, Fitch — showing us that horses do not see size or status the way humans do. They see hearts. Trompie also has a wonderful love for children. Unlike many Shetlands who can develop defensive behaviours, Trompie is gentle and enjoys being around young people. He has become a valuable part of our retreats and Equine Facilitated Learning sessions, where he helps people experience connection, patience, and the power of trust. We still approach Trompie quietly and gently because he carries memories from his past. But every day he shows us that healing is possible. Trompie's story is a reminder that trauma does not have to define the future. With safety, love, and understanding, even the most fearful hearts can learn that they are finally home. We are so grateful that this little pony is part of the Amana family. 🤍

Animal profiles

Meet the donkeys of Amana.

Placeholder description. The donkeys of Amana are curious, grounded companions with their own stories to tell.

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Donkey

Mistletoe

Mistletoe has a very special place in our Amana family. We rescued her mom while she was pregnant, and not long afterwards, little Mistletoe was born right in Donna's garden. From the beginning, she has been full of personality. She is incredibly cute, wonderfully cheeky and definitely has a little mind of her own! Now two years old, Mistletoe is actually bigger than her mom — but that hasn't stopped her from continuing to drink from her. We made the decision to allow Mistletoe and her mom to choose when the time is right to wean naturally rather than separating them to force the process. So, for now, this rather large "baby" still happily drinks from her much smaller mom! Mistletoe has grown up knowing safety, freedom, companionship and love. Unlike so many of the animals who arrive at Amana carrying difficult histories, hers is a story we have been privileged to witness from the very beginning. And we wouldn't have our cheeky little Mistletoe any other way.

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Donkey

Holly

Holly was born here at Amana after we rescued her mom while she was pregnant. Like Mistletoe, Holly was born right in Donna's garden and has known love, safety and kindness from the very beginning of her life. Holly is a beautiful, gentle and naturally shy girl. She has never experienced the hardship or trauma that many of our rescued animals have, yet she has always been more cautious and reserved. Holly reminds us of something important: every animal is an individual. Just like us, some are naturally confident and outgoing, while others are sensitive, shy and need more time to feel comfortable in the world around them. Not every behaviour needs to be explained by a difficult past. As Holly grows, it has been beautiful to watch her confidence slowly develop. With plenty of love, patience and the freedom to approach people when she feels ready, we are seeing more and more of her personality beginning to emerge. We don't need Holly to become less sensitive. We simply want her to feel safe enough to become more confident in who she already is. And slowly, beautifully, that is exactly what is happening.

Donkey

Jackie

Jackie came to Amana from another rescue centre. We know very little about her life before she arrived, except that she was extremely frightened of people. As we do with all our animals, we gave Jackie time. We spent many quiet hours simply being with her, allowing her to get to know us without pressure and to discover in her own time that human connection could feel safe. Slowly, Jackie began to trust. Today, she loves attention and affection and has formed a beautiful, close bond with the other donkeys. She has found her place in the herd and is surrounded by companionship. Jackie is also a very old lady. Our equine dentist estimates that she could be anywhere between 30 and 50 years old, and her beautifully grey face certainly tells the story of a life well lived. We may never know everything that happened in Jackie's past, and perhaps we don't need to. What matters to us is her life now. She is safe. She has her herd. She is loved. And we have all completely fallen in love with our sweet old Jackie.

Donkey

Kylie

Kylie is Holly's mom, and her story is one of the most beautiful transformations we have witnessed. Kylie was only two years old when she was rescued by the Horse Care Unit from the slaughter trade. She was pregnant and destined to be slaughtered for her skin. Her body still carries marks from her past, including what appear to be old burn scars. When Kylie first arrived at Amana, she was terrified of people. We couldn't touch her — in fact, we couldn't get within about 30 metres of her without her moving away. So we gave her time. Over the following months, we slowly began building a relationship with her. There was no expectation that she should trust us simply because we were offering her kindness. We allowed Kylie to set the pace, celebrating every small moment when she chose to come a little closer. Today, Kylie is almost unrecognisable from the frightened donkey who first arrived. She is affectionate, trusting and incredibly loving, and she now actively seeks connection with people. One of the things I find so extraordinary about donkeys is their capacity to trust again. Some of ours have experienced incredibly difficult beginnings, yet when they are consistently met with gentleness, patience and love, we often see them begin to open their hearts to people again. Kylie reminds us that a difficult past does not have to define every moment that comes afterwards. And perhaps the most beautiful part of her story is that Holly was born here at Amana — safe, loved and free from the experiences her mother had endured.

Donkey

Katie

Katie was also rescued by the Horse Care Unit while being transported into the skin trade. At the time, this tiny, elderly donkey was pregnant with Mistletoe. When Katie came to us, she was extremely frightened. We don't know everything she experienced before she was rescued, or how many babies she may have had and been separated from throughout her life. We only know that her body and her fear told us that life had not always been kind to her. Our equine dentist estimates that Katie is somewhere between 30 and 50 years old. Once donkeys reach an advanced age, it becomes very difficult to accurately determine their age from their teeth, but there is no doubt that Katie is a very old lady. When Mistletoe was born, I made Katie a promise: Mistletoe would be the last baby she would ever have, and I would do everything I could to keep mother and daughter together for the rest of Katie's life. Despite her past, Katie learned to trust us remarkably quickly. Today, she is one of the most loving and affectionate donkeys on the farm. There is something incredibly moving about watching an elderly animal discover that she no longer needs to be afraid of what comes next. Katie doesn't need to do anything for us. She doesn't need to work, perform or have another baby. Her only job now is to grow old surrounded by her daughter, her herd, and people who love her. And I intend to keep my promise to her.

Donkey

Timothy

Placeholder story. This is dummy text that will be replaced with Timothy's real history, arrival at Waterhoek, and the journey he has walked with us.

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Donkey

Mr Fluffy

Mr. Fluffy was one of four feral donkeys we welcomed to Amana from a farm where they had been given a safe place to live by a wonderful woman named Elizabeth, a vegan activist who had rescued them. Because Elizabeth lives overseas, there was nobody on the farm who could spend the time needed to tame and work with the donkeys. She eventually asked us if we could bring them to Amana and help them learn to trust people. And then there was Mr. Fluffy! He really is the most beautiful donkey, with his dark colouring, enormous fluffy fringe and a wonderfully cheeky personality. When he arrived, he wasn't accustomed to close human interaction, so we began slowly, allowing him to set the pace. He is now taking food from us, seeking attention and even beginning to discover that cuddles can be rather wonderful! It has been beautiful watching his curiosity gradually become stronger than his uncertainty. And the best news is that Mr. Fluffy and one of his donkey friends have already found a wonderful forever home together. We will continue working with them and building their confidence until they are ready to be castrated and move to their new family. From living feral to discovering human connection, Mr. Fluffy's journey is only just beginning.

Donkey

Clover

Clover is one of the four feral donkeys who came to Amana from Elizabeth's farm. He is an incredibly beautiful donkey, mostly white with the loveliest colouring, but of the four, Clover is by far the most frightened of human interaction. And that is okay. Every animal has their own personality, their own history and their own timeline. While some of the other donkeys have begun seeking affection quite quickly, Clover needs more time. At the moment, he allows us to gently touch his face, but we haven't yet been able to put a halter on him. We are not going to rush him. We will continue working quietly and patiently until Clover tells us that he is ready for the next step. Once we can safely halter and handle him, Clover is also due to be castrated. After his rehabilitation and veterinary care are complete, another beautiful chapter is waiting for him. Clover and his friend Mr. Fluffy have already found a wonderful forever home together, where they will belong to a very special ten-year-old girl and live a life of luxury alongside other rescued animals. There is no deadline for trust. When Clover is ready, he and Mr. Fluffy will leave Amana together and begin their new life. Until then, we will continue celebrating every tiny step — even if, for today, that step is simply allowing a hand to gently touch his face.

Donkey

Shroomy

Shroomy is another of the four feral donkeys who came to Amana from Elizabeth's farm. Of the four, Shroomy has been the quickest to trust us. He has the most beautiful, gentle temperament and very quickly discovered that he loves human attention. He already follows us around, seeks out connection and allows us to rub and touch him all over his body. His gentle nature also became apparent within the group. The other three boys were much more dominant with him and began picking on him, so for his safety we separated Shroomy from them. Until he is castrated and able to safely join our donkey herd, he is spending his time near the horses — and absolutely loving all the extra attention! We have a feeling Shroomy may end up staying as part of our Amana family. But if the perfect home comes along, we will remain open to finding him a family of his own. For now, we are simply enjoying getting to know this incredibly sweet little soul. He arrived feral, but with patience, kindness and gentle connection, Shroomy is already showing us just how much love he has to give.

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Donkey

Belinda

Belinda came to Amana from another rescue centre, so we know very little about her life before she arrived. She is a beautiful donkey with the most lovely colouring, but when she first came to us, she was absolutely petrified of people. We don't know what caused her fear, and rather than needing to know her whole story, we simply met her where she was. We spent time quietly building a relationship with her, allowing her to approach and learn to trust at her own pace. It didn't take long before Belinda began to realise that she was safe. Today, she is a completely different little donkey. She trusts us, enjoys affection and has settled beautifully into life at Amana. Most importantly, Belinda has found her forever herd. She now lives alongside our other donkeys, surrounded by companionship, safety and love. Whatever her story was before she came to us, this is her story now. She belongs. She is safe. And she is very, very loved.

Animal profiles

Meet the cows of Amana.

Placeholder description. The cows are social, gentle and part of the emotional life and daily rhythm of the farm.

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Cow

Milo

Milo was born on the farm next door to us. Sadly, during his birth, his mom suffered a uterine prolapse and passed away. The farmer told us that we could have Milo if we could take him straight away — and so this tiny orphaned calf came home with us. Kyla took over as his mom for those first few months. On his very first night, she slept on the kitchen floor beside him, bottle-feeding him and making sure he knew he wasn't alone. He became like her son. Milo lived in our garden with the dogs and, somewhere along the way, seemed to decide that perhaps he was one of them. Kyla even trained him like a dog using positive reinforcement, and his absolute favourite reward was banana. That was until the day Kyla hid some medicine inside a banana. Milo realised exactly what she had done, spat it out — and has refused to eat banana ever since! Today, that little calf has grown into a huge cow, but underneath all that size, he is still incredibly affectionate and connected to us. You can call his name from far away and he hears you, recognises his name and "Moo's" back to you every time. He loves attention and can get quite upset when he feels he's being ignored. He can even act out a little to make sure you notice him! When guests arrive, we usually have to put Milo away because he genuinely doesn't understand how big and strong he is. He particularly likes wrestling with men! There isn't a bad bone in his body and we don't believe he would ever intentionally hurt anyone, but his sheer size means we have to respect what he is capable of. With us, though, there is an extraordinary trust. If we find Milo lying down, we'll often go and lie beside him, leaning against his enormous body and cuddling him. If we go for a walk, Milo comes too. He loves being part of whatever we're doing. And then there is his very cheeky side. When the guests leave and Milo is allowed out again, we have to Milo-proof the campsite. The trampoline has to be hidden away behind a fence, along with the children's little tables and chairs, the dustbins and pretty much anything else he might decide looks interesting. If we forget, Milo will find it. He loves getting underneath the trampoline, lifting the whole thing up and throwing it back onto the ground. Tables, chairs and dustbins are equally entertaining to him. To Milo, apparently, the campsite is one enormous playground! He also loves chasing the car, bucking as he runs after it. Sometimes he'll try to headbutt or push the car too — being raised alongside dogs has definitely left its mark! Milo is big, mischievous, demanding, affectionate and completely lovable. He may have begun his life with the heartbreaking loss of his mom, but he grew up surrounded by connection, relationship and love. And we absolutely adore him.

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Cow

Tequila

Tequila is our beautiful black Jersey cow. There is a dairy farm down the road from us that we drive past regularly, with a large herd of Jersey cows. During winter, when there is very little grazing, we watch them become incredibly thin. In summer they tend to look better again, but one of the hardest things for us to see is the baby boys being taken away after they are born. One day, I asked the farmer if I could buy one of his young female cows. Tequila was about six months old when he agreed to sell her to us, and she came home to join our family. She became Milo's girlfriend, and the two of them absolutely adore one another. They have formed such a beautiful bond and love spending their days together. When Tequila first arrived, she was quite wild and didn't trust humans at all. But it didn't take her long to realise that she was safe with us. Slowly she began allowing us closer, and before long she discovered how much she enjoyed scratches, affection and being loved. She is still naturally shy. Tequila needs to know you before she will completely trust you, and she doesn't give that trust away immediately. But once she knows you, you get to see what an incredibly soft and gentle cow she really is. Today, Tequila is settled, happy and very much at home. She has Milo by her side, plenty of space to roam, and a life where she is loved simply for being who she is. She is an exceptionally beautiful cow, but it is her quiet, gentle nature that makes her so special to us.

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Cow

Astro

Astro is our black-and-white Jersey boy, and from the very first day of his life, his story has been one of survival. I was visiting a farm one day, chatting to the farmer, when he suddenly told one of his staff members to go and fetch something. I had no idea what he was doing. A little while later, the man returned carrying the tiniest calf I had ever seen. Astro was only a few hours old. The farmer knew me well enough to know that I would soften immediately. He told me that if I wanted the calf, I could have him. Otherwise, he would be killed later that day. Of course, Astro came home with me. He had been born about three weeks premature and really wasn't expected to survive. During the first year of his life, he became seriously ill five different times. More than once, the vet told me that he wasn't going to make it. But every single time, Astro pulled through. We prayed over him. We declared life over him. We believed and trusted God for his healing, and somehow this tiny, fragile little calf just kept choosing life. As Astro grew, we began to realise that there was something very different and very special about him. He doesn't experience the world quite like our other cows do. We often lovingly describe him as our neurodivergent cow because his behaviour, the way he processes things and even the way he moves are simply uniquely Astro. His little body also had a lot of catching up to do. His back legs were particularly affected, and for about the first year and a half of his life, he couldn't stand normally on his hind feet. He would stand almost on his tiptoes, and his hocks still come together, especially when he runs — which somehow makes him even more adorable. But Astro keeps growing stronger and healthier. The tiny premature calf who wasn't expected to survive is now as tough as nails. Astro can sometimes be the third wheel with Milo and Tequila and their great love affair, but he is very much part of our little cow family. As he has grown older, he has found his place more and more, and he is loved and accepted exactly as he is. Astro has taught us never to underestimate a life simply because it begins differently. He wasn't supposed to make it. But God had another story.

Cow

Ryder

Ryder was just one day old when his life took an unexpected turn. Donna was driving into town when, in the distance, she noticed two trailers filled with animals. Something made her turn around and go and see what was happening, thinking perhaps there was trouble and she could help. When she arrived, she discovered a trailer filled with around 30 tiny, one-day-old male calves. They were being transferred from one vehicle to another on their way to slaughter. Donna begged and pleaded with the men to let her take one of the calves, but they refused. Eventually, they agreed that she could buy one. Then came an almost impossible decision. How do you choose one life when there are 30 little faces looking back at you? Donna opened the trailer door and looked inside. Amongst all the black calves, there was one little brown calf who stood out from the rest. She chose him. And that little calf became Ryder. Ryder came home to AMANA, where he was bottle-fed and raised by Kyla, who has lovingly mothered our rescued calves. Today, Ryder is seven months old and has grown into the most beautiful young cow, with gorgeous colouring and an incredibly gentle nature. But Ryder has always been a little different. He is very much a loner and seems completely content in his own company. Although he has now integrated into our little herd of cows, he still regularly chooses to wander away from everyone else. We will often look across the farm and spot Ryder far in the distance, completely on his own, quietly doing his own thing in some random place. And perhaps that is one of the loveliest things about watching these animals grow up at AMANA. We don't need Ryder to be like the other cows. He can belong to the herd and still choose space. He can have companionship and still enjoy solitude. He can simply be Ryder. From a one-day-old calf on a trailer headed for slaughter to a gentle young cow wandering freely across the farm, Ryder's life could so easily have had a very different ending. Instead, his story is still being written. And most days, you'll find him somewhere out there writing it entirely on his own. ❤️

Animal profiles

Our Piggies

Our piggies are a wonderful example of how much personality, emotion, and individuality animals have.

Ophelia and Cecilia are sisters who came to us when they were very young. They are potbelly pigs, and from the beginning they have been given a safe place where they can grow, explore, and simply be pigs.

Ophelia is the gentle soul of the group. She is quiet, soft-hearted, and incredibly loving. She absolutely loves tummy scratches and enjoys gentle affection. Out of all our pigs, she is the one who most naturally seeks connection and shows her loving nature.

She is also wonderfully peaceful with the other animals. Ophelia has a calm presence and tends to avoid conflict, choosing instead to simply enjoy her life and the relationships around her.

Our piggies remind us that animals are not just farm animals — they are individuals with unique personalities, preferences, emotions, and the ability to form deep connections. When given patience, kindness, and a safe environment, they show us just how beautiful their true nature can be.

Piggy

Cecilia

Cecilia is Ophelia’s sister, but her personality could not be more different. Where Ophelia is gentle and quiet, Cecilia is the adventurous explorer of the group. She has a big personality and a confident nature. She is not afraid to stand up for herself and will often remind the other piggies where the boundaries are! Cecilia loves exploring the farm and is always ready for an adventure. She has even joined us on outrides while we ride our horses, happily coming along to experience the world around her. One of the most beautiful things about Cecilia is her confidence and her love for connecting with other animals. She has formed friendships with many of the animals on the farm, including horses and cows. We have watched her scratch their legs, climb up beside them, and interact with them with complete trust and curiosity. Cecilia teaches us that courage and connection can come in many forms. She is a brave little soul who approaches life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a heart full of adventure.

Image: Ophelia

Piggy

Ophelia

Ophelia is Cecilia's sister and the gentle soul of the group. She is quiet, soft-hearted, and incredibly loving. She adores tummy scratches and gentle affection, and naturally seeks connection. Peaceful with the other animals, Ophelia tends to avoid conflict and simply enjoys her life and the relationships around her.

Image: Guinevere

Piggy

Guinevere

Guinevere was our third piggy rescue, and her story is a beautiful reminder of how patience, kindness, and love can transform a frightened animal. We rescued Guinevere from a farm where the animals were destined for the pot. When we visited, we knew we could not simply walk away. I refused to leave without giving at least one piggy a chance at a different life, and eventually we were able to bring Guinevere home. When she first arrived, she was very small but extremely scared. Her fear came out as biting and defensive behaviour because she did not yet understand that she was safe. With time, patience, and lots of love — especially from Kyla, who spent many hours building trust with her in the beginning — Guinevere slowly learned that humans could be kind. She integrated beautifully with Ophelia and Cecilia and became a wonderful part of the piggy family. Today, Guinevere is a confident little explorer. We often find her wandering around the farm discovering new places, while other times she happily joins her piggy sisters. She has a very lovable and unique personality, and beneath everything is a gentle, sweet nature. Guinevere’s journey reminds us that fear is not who an animal is — it is simply something they carry until they feel safe enough to let it go.

Image: Sparkles

Piggy

Sparkles

Sparkles has one of the most powerful rescue stories at Amana Sanctuary. When she first came to us, her name was Snorkels. We chose to change her name to Sparkles because this was the beginning of a completely new chapter in her life — a fresh start where she would be known not for her past, but for the beautiful life she was now going to experience. We do not know exactly how old she is, but for around eight years she lived in a small enclosure where she did not receive the care, space, and kindness that every animal deserves. Over time, she became very overweight, her body became sore, and the pain and fear she carried showed itself as anger and defensive behaviour. When the people who took over the property began searching for a new home for her, nobody was able to help. Sparkles was frightened, angry, and would try to attack anyone who came near her. She was also too difficult to load onto a vehicle, and without help, her future was uncertain. When we saw her story, we knew she deserved a chance. With the help of friends, our vet, and a team of caring people who all came together, we were able to safely tranquilize her and help her onto the vehicle so she could begin her journey to Amana Sanctuary. When Sparkles arrived, she was deeply shut down. She spent several days lying inside the safe piggy house we had prepared for her, not ready to come out or trust the world around her. Even when she eventually started exploring, she was still very fearful and would try to bite if we came too close. But with patience, love, and the freedom to heal at her own pace, something beautiful began to happen. Slowly, Sparkles discovered that she was safe. She started exploring the farm, making friends with the other pigs, and allowing humans closer. She has lost a significant amount of weight, and today she can move around freely, explore, play, and enjoy life without the discomfort and pain she carried when she arrived. The frightened, angry piggy we first met began to reveal the gentle and loving soul underneath. Today, Sparkles is a happy pig who enjoys friendship, affection, and the freedom she was always meant to have. Her story reminds us that behaviour is often communication — and behind fear, anger, and defensiveness there is often an animal who is simply waiting to feel safe enough to trust again. Sparkles was never a difficult pig. She was a pig who needed someone to believe in her.

Image: Norman

Piggy

Norman

Norman is our latest little addition to the Amana Sanctuary family, and he has already brought so much joy with him. Norman was originally bought as a pet, but unfortunately the dogs in his home did not accept the new little family member. One of the dogs began biting and attacking him, and his family knew they needed to find him somewhere safe. That is when Norman came to Amana Sanctuary. From the moment he arrived, Norman brought a special energy with him. He is a sweet little pig with a curious nature, and he has settled in beautifully with our other piggies. He has already made friends with the group, but one of the most special friendships has been with Sparkles. For the first time since Sparkles arrived, we have seen her truly connect with another pig. This little friendship has been beautiful to watch, as Norman has brought out a softer, more social side of her. We are excited to watch Norman grow, discover the farm, and learn more about his unique personality. Every animal that comes to Amana has their own story, and we feel privileged to be part of the next chapter of Norman’s life.

Animal profiles

Meet the farm dogs of Amana.

The dogs of Amana Sanctuary are working dogs, rescues, and loyal companions - each one a teacher in their own right.

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Farm dog

Trigger the Gentle Protector

Trigger is the oldest of our doggies and one of the most loved characters at Amana Sanctuary. At five and a half years old, Trigger is a beautiful Belgian Malinois crossed with a Dutch Shepherd. Although he is a working dog with incredible intelligence, drive, and training, his greatest gift is his heart. Trigger is one of the gentlest, most loving dogs you will ever meet. He has a natural ability to connect with people and other animals, and we truly believe he is a therapy dog at heart. He wants to make friends with everyone he meets — whether they have two legs or four — and he has never met a stranger. Everyone loves Trigger. He has become a well-known and much-loved member of the Amana family, making friends wherever he goes. His kind nature and joyful personality have made him quite famous around the farm. Although Trigger is gentle and affectionate, he is also a highly trained working dog. At Amana, we believe in giving our dogs purpose, structure, and the opportunity to use their natural abilities in a positive way. We invest a lot of time into training our dogs and learning from skilled trainers. We regularly work with Katie Morris from RCD K9 Training, who is one of our favourite trainers, and we also train with Cape Town trainers Ryan Chocky Adams and Teswill Prince from Von Edinstven K9 working dogs. They share their knowledge through workshops at our farm, helping others understand the incredible potential of working dogs. Trigger reminds us that strength and gentleness can exist together. A truly balanced dog is not only capable and obedient — they are connected, confident, and full of love.

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Farm dog

Nova the Little Protector

Nova is our beautiful female Belgian Malinois, and although she is small in size, she has a personality that is larger than life. She is fast, fiery, and full of confidence — a little dog with the heart and courage of a much bigger one. Nova takes her role as protector very seriously. In her mind, her job is to look after us, especially Donna and Kyla, and to keep a watchful eye over her home and family. She is incredibly loyal and devoted, and she protects with her whole heart. Like all our working dogs at Amana, Nova receives a lot of training and guidance. She is highly intelligent, eager to learn, and loves having a purpose. She is a wonderful example of the incredible partnership that can develop between humans and dogs when we invest time, trust, and understanding into them. Despite her fiery nature, Nova has a beautiful relationship with the animals on the farm. She is respectful and gentle with them, and she especially loves joining us on outrides, where she gets to experience the farm alongside the horses. Nova may be small, but she is definitely not to be underestimated. She is a little spark of energy, courage, loyalty, and love — a true Amana protector.

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Farm dog

Duchess the Determined Learner

Duchess is our beautiful female Belgian Malinois, and her story is one of growth, perseverance, and the incredible transformation that can happen when we choose patience and commitment. At two years old, Duchess has been our most challenging dog to bring along. She has pushed us to learn, adapt, and understand dogs on a much deeper level. We believe Duchess may have some neurodivergent traits, and through the privilege of having her in our family, she has taught us so much about communication, patience, and meeting each individual animal where they are. Duchess is a dog of beautiful contrasts. She can be intense and protective, yet she is also incredibly loving and affectionate with the people she trusts. Her journey has required hard work, dedication, sweat, and sometimes even tears — but every step has been worth it. She is a big, strong dog who does not always realise just how much power she has! Her excitement can sometimes be overwhelming when she runs and jumps up to greet you, but behind that enthusiasm is a dog with a huge heart who simply wants to connect. One of the most rewarding parts of Duchess’ journey has been watching her discover the joy of training. She takes her work seriously, loves learning, and thrives when she has structure and purpose. She enjoys working, training, going on outrides with us, and exploring the farm. At the end of the day, though, Duchess has another very special talent — she is the ultimate cuddler. Beneath her strength and intensity is a loving dog who wants nothing more than connection and belonging. We are incredibly proud of how far Duchess has come, and we are excited to see where her journey takes her. She reminds us that sometimes the most challenging animals teach us the greatest lessons.

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Farm dog

Jesse's Legacy

Jesse may no longer walk beside us, but her spirit will forever remain part of Amana Sanctuary. Jesse’s story began with a rescue on the side of the road. When we found her, she was just a small puppy who had clearly endured a terrible start to life. She had rope tied around her neck, which she had chewed through to escape from wherever she had been held. She was skin and bone, covered in fleas and ticks, and desperately needed someone to believe in her. That day, Jesse’s life changed — and so did ours. For eight beautiful years, Jesse was my sidekick, my best friend, and a very special part of our family. She lived her life here at Amana, and although she eventually passed away at the farm, she remains forever connected to this place. She is buried here, where she belongs, surrounded by the land she loved. Jesse was one of those unforgettable characters who left paw prints on everyone’s hearts. She was the funniest dog, full of personality, and famously determined to do things her own way. She was not the easiest dog to train because Jesse had her own ideas about life — but that was part of what made her so special. She brought laughter, joy, and love into our lives every single day. She loved her people deeply and was simply part of the heart of Amana. Although we miss her physical presence, Jesse’s legacy lives on in everything we do. She reminds us why rescue matters, why every animal deserves a chance, and why the bonds we form with animals can change our lives forever. Jesse was not just a rescue dog. She was family. She was Amana.

Animal profiles

Our Chickens

Our chickens are a beautiful reminder that every life matters.

Many of our chickens have been rescued from pet shops or from people who could no longer care for them. Some arrived in heartbreaking conditions — with missing feathers, weak bodies, and looking like they had almost given up. Here at Amana Sanctuary, they are given the chance to recover, feel safe, and rediscover what it means to simply be a chicken.

Every evening, our chickens are brought safely inside, where they can rest peacefully. They enjoy fresh vegetables, healthy food, and the occasional treat of mealworms. Slowly, many of them begin to trust again and their personalities shine through as they learn that humans can be kind.

At Amana, we believe animals are not here only for what they can provide for us. Our chickens are not raised for slaughter. They are valued individuals, each with their own character and place within the flock.

Even our cockerels are given the opportunity to live together. Like all animals, they sometimes have disagreements and need to learn boundaries, but we allow them the space to develop their own social harmony rather than removing them simply because they are male.

We do allow our hens to lay eggs, and these eggs are sold to our staff members at a low price. We also sell them in town to offer consumers Free Range, Organic Eggs. This helps contribute towards the cost of caring for the chickens while allowing them to live a life of dignity and purpose.

Every now and then, we allow a hen the opportunity to sit on her eggs, hatch her chicks, and experience the beautiful natural instinct of raising her babies. We believe that wherever possible, animals should be allowed to express the fullness of who they were created to be.

Our chickens may seem small, but they teach us some of life’s greatest lessons — about resilience, trust, forgiveness, community, and the beauty of being given a second chance.

THE ANIMALS AS TEACHERS

They do not perform peace. They reveal whether peace is real.

The animals help people learn things that are difficult to learn in theory.

patience

boundaries

presence

regulation

trust

gentleness

honesty

respect

relationship

responsibility

They do not perform peace.

They reveal whether peace is real.

VISITING THE ANIMALS

Respect comes first.

Guests, academy participants, retreat groups, and visitors may meet some of the animals during guided experiences, open days, and stays at Waterhoek.

For the safety and wellbeing of both guests and animals:

do not feed animals without permission
do not chase, corner, shout at, or grab animals
do not ride or handle animals without permission
supervise children at all times
follow Donna or the farm team's guidance
allow animals to choose distance where possible
remember that this is their home

Guideline

For the safety and wellbeing of both guests and animals, all animal interactions must be respectful and guided where needed. Please do not feed, chase, corner, ride, or handle animals without permission.

Image: horses and donkeys grazing across a green hillside pasture

GROWING THE SANCTUARY

Every animal has a story worth telling.

As Amana grows, this page will become a living archive of the animals of Waterhoek: their stories, personalities, transformations, lessons, and place in the life of the farm.

In future, Amana may also introduce ways for supporters to contribute to the care, rehabilitation, feeding, and wellbeing of the animals.

For now, the invitation is simple:

Meet them with respect. Listen to what they reveal. And help us make peace visible.

Share an Animal Story

Come meet them

Come meet them.

Guests, academy participants, retreat groups, and visitors may meet some of the animals during guided experiences, open days, and stays at Waterhoek.

Book Your Stay Enquire About Animal Encounters