Project Visit Meghan: Animal Welfare Portugal

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Name: Meghan

Project: Animal Welfare

Location: District of Santarém

Duration: End of September 2024

I arrived at the sanctuary on a foggy but warm morning to meet Sandra, the volunteer coordinator and head animal caretaker, at 8 a.m. She greeted me warmly, opened the gates, and I was immediately introduced to several of the resident dogs. They ranged from big to small and came from various backgrounds, but they all shared an incredible friendliness and were clearly well cared for and loved.

Sandra then showed me around the spacious and beautifully decorated volunteer house. I was welcomed by various staff members busy with their tasks around the sanctuary. After being shown my charming three-person room—complete with a chandelier, antique furniture, and decorative plates donated by the community—I felt like I had stepped back in time. This unique atmosphere added to the charm of the house.

Once I had settled in, Sandra and I went to the supply room, where she explained the different types of feed for all the animals and showed me where they store the medicine and various equipment. Written instructions on the wall provided guidance for volunteers on the amount of food and feeding schedule of each animal. Our first task was to prepare food for the chinchilla, pigeons, ducks, terrapins, geese, bunnies, pig, and chickens.

We began with the birds, who lived in a covered open-air space where injured pigeons could heal safely, free from predators while slowly recovering their flying skills. Next, we visited the chinchilla, a shy little fellow who spent most of his time in his tunnel but had plenty of climbing structures and hiding spots to explore once feeding time was over.

Following the birds and chinchilla, we tended to the diverse group of fowl, bunnies, terrapins, and a pig living harmoniously in a large enclosure. We scrubbed the pond area—a daily task—emptied, washed, and refilled all food and water bowls, and then sat on a log to watch the animals interact during their meal. After eating, the animals became more curious about us, engaging with our movements.

Once our tasks were complete, we left them in peace and headed back to the main house to prepare food for the goats. In this region of Portugal, melons are plentiful and are a favorite treat for many of the resident animals. Sandra and I sliced melon after melon, filling the wheelbarrow to take to the goats. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendliest goats and sheep I had ever encountered. They happily munched on the melons while we cleaned their wooden house and porch. After finishing their snack, they wouldn’t let us leave without some love and attention. These sweet and gentle animals rubbed their heads against us, begging for pets. It was hard to say goodbye as we returned to the hill for more melons—this time for the bulls.

After preparing the bulls' breakfast, which another worker took to the meadow where they graze, Sandra and I headed to my favourite stop: the cat enclosure. The cats lived in a large open-air space covered in chicken wire, allowing them to move freely between roofed rooms, climb structures, or snuggle among pillows and blankets. We were welcomed with affection as we entered, with curious cats eager to greet us.

We cleaned all the litter boxes (there were a lot!), emptied, cleaned, and refilled their water and dry food bowls, and divvied out some wet food as a special treat. Afterward, we sat on the ground, letting the cats nuzzle against us and enjoy some physical attention. We then proceeded to a second enclosure separated by a locked gate, home to cats with leukemia, who must be kept apart from the others. Our tasks were similar but focused on a smaller group of about ten cats.

The last section was for cats with feline AIDS, where we cleaned their area, fed them, and enjoyed some cuddles. These cats with special medical needs often carry a stigma that makes it difficult for them to find loving homes, leaving them vulnerable to neglect. However, this sanctuary provides a vital refuge where they receive not only attentive medical care but also the affection and attention they crave.

The final stop on our morning rounds was the horses. The sanctuary currently had two horses. One was an elderly horse that had spent years in a circus, tied to a bar and made to walk in circles for children’s rides. Despite developing bowel cancer, he was made to continue performing until he was no longer considered useful. Luckily, he now spends his days at the sanctuary, receiving diligent medical care for his tumors and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

In contrast to this gentle old horse was his lively roommate, a wild bronco who has not yet been tamed. Volunteers without horse experience typically do not enter the horse pen, but Sandra went in first to feed him, ensuring the smaller gate was closed so we could clean and refill their water without concern. After finishing our tasks, we opened the pens, allowing the horses to roam freely in the meadow.

With our morning work complete, it was time for a lunch break! Volunteers prepare their own meals in the house kitchen, and I had brought with me a delicious Portuguese pastry and a sandwich I picked up that morning. I enjoyed my lunch on the patio, surrounded by mandarin and fig trees, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

The afternoon shift—optional for volunteers—began around 3 p.m., so I had a couple of hours to explore. I visited the goats again, walked to the swimming pool, and strolled through the meadow, where the bulls were taking their afternoon siesta. I returned to the cat enclosure for another visit and enjoyed some quiet time reading in the shade.

At 3 p.m., I met up with Sandra again to feed the few animals that required food twice a day. The shift went by quickly, and soon it was time to relax with the team. I enjoyed a lovely evening chatting with them, learning about the project's history, their growth and achievements, and their exciting plans for the future.

After preparing dinner together, I climbed into my cosy bed with the window wide open, falling asleep to the gentle sounds of nature after a full and rewarding day at the sanctuary.

This experience underscored the incredible dedication of the staff and volunteers at the sanctuary and highlighted the importance of animal welfare. For anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of once-neglected animals, this project offers a meaningful opportunity to get involved and contribute to a critical cause, all while immersing yourself in the stunning countryside of Portugal.