RESCUE ALERT: Emu Joins Sanctuary After Losing Home and Partner

RESCUE ALERT: Part 1

DONATE TO SUPPORT CLOVER'S RESCUE & RECOVERY AT http://www.westplace.org/donate

Our farm family just got a little bigger, and a lot more interesting. Clover is the sanctuary’s first emu rescue! She comes from a very unfortunate situation and needs all of us to help her through this difficult time and beyond.

When part of Clover’s farm was seized through eminent domain she and her mate, along with chickens and goats, had to be relocated to another property. This new property was surrounded by woods (and predators), and Clover’s caretakers did not live on site. They stopped by for daily feedings but otherwise the animals were on their own.

Clover and the male emu were living in single paddock with all of the other animals and a small run-in shelter. In this new living situation, one of the male goats began repeatedly attacking the male emu, pulling out his feathers one by one. Eventually, the male emu lost so many of his feathers that he froze to death this past winter, leaving Clover all alone.

We were asked to take Clover to prevent her from a similar fate, and to provide a safe, peaceful home. Clover is 4 years old and has never lived around large farm animals like cows, horses, or donkeys. She is understandably very nervous and it will take a good bit of time for her to feel comfortable at West Place. But we’ve already seen her playful side (she loves water!) and she is beginning to preen herself, which indicates she is starting to settle in.

As always, this rescue is not a “happy ending” for Clover but merely the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Caring for an emu is new for us, but we’ve already put together a nutritional plan and training protocols. She is still missing her mate, and our volunteers and staff are providing Clover with plenty of love and socialization. We need to transition her to a healthy diet; provide proper shelter and protection; return her to good health (physically and emotionally); keep her from becoming lonely, bored, or destructive; and comfort her as she experiences a major life change.

We need YOUR HELP to make all of this possible and set Clover up for success for the next THREE DECADES! We’re committed to the lifelong care of Clover, but it is only possible with the support of our compassionate community. Donate today or sponsor Clover to provide monthly support that gives her the life she deserves. THANK YOU!

https://www.westplace.org/emu-sponsor...