Mirabel Foundation visit to Moo to Ewe

Written by Volunteer Tour Guide, Caroline

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of welcoming a special group of young girls from the Mirabel Foundation, together with their wonderful leaders, to Moo to Ewe Farmed Animal Sanctuary.

The Mirabel Foundation supports children and young people who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use, helping them feel safe, supported and connected, and building confidence, belonging and hope for the future.

Moo to Ewe is also a place built on compassion and kindness. It is home to rescued farmed animals who have come from very difficult circumstances and who now get to live their lives in safety, surrounded by people who care deeply for them. One of the things I love most about Moo to Ewe is that every animal is known for who they are—their personality, their quirks, the friendships they form and, of course, their own individual story.

Perhaps that is why bringing Mirabel and Moo to Ewe together felt so special.

Holly and I were lucky enough to be the girls’ tour guides that day, introducing them to the animals and sharing some of their stories.

There was plenty of laughter. Boston and Ivy provided entertainment on cue with their lively personalities and antics, while beautiful, gentle, old Sunday was happy to take things at a much slower pace and enjoy some belly rubs and snacks while in bed.

Lacey, Rose, twins Bud and Bloom, Marci, Rocket—all greeted the girls with enormous enthusiasm. At first, some of the girls were a little tentative, but before long the sheep were gathered closely around them, nuzzling in as eager hands offered treats. The girls loved their energy and friendliness, although we suspected the food had something to do with the particularly warm welcome! As their confidence grew, they ventured closer, laughing and hand-feeding their new woolly friends.

Our resident baby goats, Apple and Crumble, were another big hit. The girls loved their funny little hops and skips, their playfulness and their obvious enthusiasm for life. Never far away was their Mumma, Cookie, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings as her babies explored and entertained everyone.

And, of course, there were the chickens, Snowy, Gertie, Dawn, Dusk, Jaffa and all the gang were clucking and bok-bok-bokking around the girls, with some gently scooped up into waiting arms for snuggly cuddles.

There was so much joy in these simple interactions—animals eager to say hello, hands reaching out to feed, stroke and cuddle, and all the funny, noisy and unpredictable moments that come with spending time around animals.Our beautiful cows were particular favourites. As we all know, they are such deep, gentle souls, with a quiet warmth about them that seems even more apparent when you look into those enormous, expressive eyes. Sitting close to them can bring a wonderful sense of calm, with nothing expected of you other than to simply be there.

The girls were captivated by them, sitting beside the cows, scratching their ears, cuddling them and gazing into those beautiful eyes. They were also more than a little envious of their extraordinarily long eyelashes, laughing together and wishing they could have eyelashes just like them!

Our beautiful Daisy has an almost motherly way about her. She is incredibly gentle and loving, and there is something in the way she looks at you that makes you feel she understands far more than we probably give animals credit for. Watching the girls spend quiet time with her was really lovely.

Kernel was equally happy with all the attention, sitting peacefully while the girls softly stroked his cheeks and scratched behind his ears. He seemed very content just to have them there, and they were equally content to sit with him. There was no need to talk.

And then there was our pin up girl, Lizzie.

Lizzie is our matriarch goat, and her story is a difficult one. She was rescued from the goat milk factory farming industry and arrived at Moo to Ewe very unwell, eventually needing a mastectomy to remove her udder and save her life. During her years in the dairy industry, Lizzie undoubtedly gave birth to many babies but would not have had the opportunity to form lasting bonds with them or nurture them as a mother naturally would.

Today, Lizzie is safe, deeply loved and very much a character at the sanctuary. But on this particular afternoon, we saw a side of her that I had never seen before.

One of the Mirabel girls formed an extraordinary connection with her. She sat quietly beside Lizzie, offering nothing more than her company and a gentle hand. Lizzie settled beside her and then rested her head in the girl’s lap.

And there they stayed.

Knowing Lizzie’s history made the moment all the more moving. Here was an animal who had been through so much, completely at ease with a young person she had only just met. And beside her was a young girl, quietly stroking her and accepting Lizzie’s trust with such tenderness.

None of us can know exactly what passed between them in that moment—and perhaps we don’t need to.

There were no expectations, no questions and no judgement. Just a girl and a goat, quietly choosing to be close. It was such a simple reminder that a connection with an animal doesn’t need words.

They don’t need explanations or ask questions. Sometimes they simply respond to a gentle touch, a kind voice or someone willing to sit quietly beside them.

Perhaps that is part of what makes spending time with animals so special. A soft nose seeking a pat, a cow leaning in for a scratch, a sheep nuzzling close, a chicken nestled in your arms or a goat resting her head in your lap can say things that words sometimes can’t: you are safe here; you are welcome here; you can simply be.

Many of the animals offering that trust and affection have known very different lives before coming to Moo to Ewe. Their stories include suffering, hardship, separation, neglect and, for some, abandonment and loneliness. But given safety, patience and loving care, we get to see another side of their stories. They learn to trust again, form friendships, seek affection, play, rest and simply enjoy their lives. Their past is part of their story, but it isn’t all of who they are. And I think this is where Mirabel and Moo to Ewe came together so beautifully that afternoon.

Both are grounded in compassion and in the importance of kindness, safety, connection and belonging. At Moo to Ewe, our animals are given the chance to live surrounded by care. Mirabel provides young people with supportive relationships and experiences that help them feel valued and connected.

That afternoon, the girls gave our animals affection, patience and tenderness, and the animals gave plenty back in their own way. The kindness flowed both ways.

By the end of our time together, there had been lots of cuddles and laughter, some beautiful quiet moments and plenty of smiles. We hope the girls took something special away from their visit. We know we did.

For one beautiful afternoon, these remarkable young people spent time with animals who each have their own story, personality and way of connecting. There was laughter, affection, trust and some very special moments of stillness—a lovely reminder of how much we can give to animals, and how much they can give us in return.

Sometimes, it begins with kindness.