Behind the Scenes at an Animal Rescue Center in Tenerife
On Tenerife Emma and Edu started an animal rescue center where over 400 animals find refuge, care, and love. It thrives on the dedication of 40 volunteers who go above and beyond to provide for the animals they care for.
What sets this rescue center apart is its unique approach to survival: living off-grid and embracing a freegan lifestyle. The center relies on food waste sourced from local supermarkets, which not only helps feed the animals but also supports the volunteers who live and work here. This way of life is about more than just reducing waste; it’s a conscious choice to live sustainably while ensuring that the animals have everything they need.
A New Home for Horses
One of the most exciting developments at the rescue center is the creation of a brand-new track system for the horses. This project, designed to improve the horses’ quality of life and give them more space to roam and exercise, has an inspiring backer—the manager of none other than Ed Sheeran! The track system is part of the ongoing mission to not only care for the animals but to enhance their environment, ensuring they live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Transforming Waste into Homes
Another incredible initiative at the center is their innovative approach to sustainability. The team has found a way to turn waste wood into new homes for animals, creating a nearly zero-waste environment. This creative solution allows them to build necessary structures without depleting natural resources, proving that with a little ingenuity and hard work, waste can be transformed into something meaningful.
Challenges
Running an animal rescue center is not easy, especially with all the paperwork that often complicates the process. The paperwork and regulations can sometimes feel like an obstacle, but the volunteers and staff at the Tenerife center don’t let that stop them. Their passion and commitment to the animals drive them to push through these challenges and find ways to keep the center running smoothly.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the center is the lifestyle the volunteers embrace. While many people might shy away from the idea of living in a cave, for them, it’s part of the off-grid lifestyle they’ve chosen. By staying self-sufficient, they can focus on what matters most—caring for the animals and continuing their mission to save lives.
The Emotional Goodbye
One of the most emotional moments at the rescue center is when the time comes to say goodbye to an animal that has been cared for. It’s always a bittersweet experience, as the volunteers and staff have built deep bonds with the animals, often spending years nurturing and rehabilitating them. But seeing the animals go on to new homes, or sometimes simply letting them live their best lives, is a testament to the love and care that has been invested in them.
The sense of community and compassion that thrives at this animal rescue center is inspiring. It shows us that with a little creativity, a lot of heart, and a deep commitment to sustainability, it’s possible to make a real difference in the world—one animal at a time.
A Call for Education and Awareness
On the island of Tenerife, many pet owners face a frustrating challenge: they simply don’t have the knowledge to properly care for their animals. This gap in understanding is often worsened by a lack of education among some local veterinarians, making it even harder for owners to provide the right care. While vets do their best, there’s often a lack of specialized knowledge in treating certain conditions, which can result in animals not receiving the care they need.
For Tenerife Horse Rescue, this is an issue they are deeply passionate about. Not only do they work tirelessly to rescue and care for animals, but they also aim to educate the public. Their goal isn’t just to care for the animals in need but to reduce the number of animals requiring rescue in the first place. They believe that by spreading awareness and offering education on proper care, they can help owners make better choices and improve the overall health of animals on the island.
The Story of Dory
One of the saddest stories that highlights the need for better knowledge in animal care is that of Dory, a horse rescued by Tenerife Horse Rescue. Her owners, with all their good intentions, did everything they could to save her. They loved her deeply and did their best to care for her, but despite their efforts, her health didn’t improve. The problem wasn’t that they didn’t try—it was that they lacked the proper knowledge of how to treat her condition.
Unfortunately, Dory’s health continued to decline, and despite all attempts to save her, she didn’t survive. Her story is a tragic reminder that even with the best intentions, a lack of understanding about animal care can lead to heartbreaking outcomes. It wasn’t a lack of love or effort, but a lack of the right information and guidance that led to her demise.
The Importance of Education
Dory’s story is just one example of why education is so important in animal care. Tenerife Horse Rescue is committed to not only rescuing animals but also empowering pet owners with the knowledge they need to provide proper care. They hope that by raising awareness, they can reduce the number of animals that end up needing rescue in the first place. Educating people on how to recognize symptoms of illness, how to feed and house their animals properly, and when to seek professional help can make a huge difference.
The team at Tenerife Horse Rescue is passionate about teaching owners the right way to care for their animals. They believe that prevention is key, and that by sharing their knowledge, they can help save lives. Their mission is to build a community where animals are not just loved, but cared for in the best way possible, so that fewer animals end up in rescue situations like Dory.
