Hero image: peaceful group of animals / horse and donkeys / animals grazing freely

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 Animals Book a Farm Experience

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Animals are not here simply for what they can do for us.

At Amana, animals are not here simply for what they can do for us.

A horse is not only valuable because it can be ridden. A cow is not only valuable because it can produce. A donkey is not only valuable because it can work. A pig is not only valuable because it is useful.

Each animal has value because it is alive, aware, relational, and uniquely itself.

The Amana Method begins here.

The Amana Method begins with dignity.

Image: close-up animal portrait / eye / calm animal moment

MEET THE FAMILY

The farm 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.

Image: meet the horses

Meet the Horses

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

Image: meet the donkeys

Meet the Donkeys

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

Image: meet the cows

Meet the Cows

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

Image: meet the pigs

Meet the Pigs

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

Image: meet the farm dogs

Meet the Farm Dogs

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

Image: meet the chickens

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 Waterhoek.

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.

Image: Tayyara

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Image: Summa

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Image: Resolution

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.

Image: Noodle

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. 🤍

Image: Smudgy

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.

Image: Gypsy

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. 🤍

Image: Trompie

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. 🤍

Image: Shenzi

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. 🤍

Image: Quizzy

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. 🤍

Image: Hope

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. 🤍

Image: Destiny

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

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. 🤍

Image: Eros

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. 🤍

Image: Goose

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. 🤍

Animal profiles

Meet the donkeys of Waterhoek.

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

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Donkey

Mistletoe

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Donkey

Holly

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Donkey

Jacky

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Donkey

Kylie

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Donkey

Katie

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Donkey

Chmwewe

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Donkey

Belinda

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Donkeys

Rescue Donkeys

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Animal profiles

Meet the cows of Waterhoek.

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

Image: Cow One

Cow

Cow One

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Image: Cow Two

Cow

Cow Two

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Image: Cow Three

Cow

Cow Three

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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.

Image: Cecilia

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: 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 Waterhoek.

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.

Image: Duchess the Determined Learner

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

Image: chickens at Waterhoek

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: animals in peaceful farm setting / sunrise over fields with animals

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