The animals at
Oaksedge Sanctuary
The animals at Oaksedge Sanctuary each have their own personalities, routines and individual needs.
Some arrive needing rehabilitation and medical support, while others simply need time, patience and the opportunity to feel safe again. From rescued pigs, sheep and Dartmoor ponies to chickens, ducks, rabbits and parrots, every animal here is cared for as an individual rather than part of a system.
Many of the animals who arrive at Oaksedge would otherwise have faced slaughter, neglect or uncertain futures. Instead, they are given lifelong care within a safe and peaceful environment where their wellbeing always comes first.
Rescue Chickens
Many of our rescue hens arrive from commercial egg-laying systems where their productive lifespan is considered limited. Once at Oaksedge, they are given open space, natural light and the opportunity to behave naturally - dust bathing, roaming and resting freely.
Some continue laying eggs at their own will, while others simply enjoy retirement in safety.
Ponies
Our rescue horses and ponies all arrive with different stories and care needs.
Pearl came to Oaksedge following a Dartmoor pony round-up, pregnant with Gemma. Today, mother and daughter remain together at the sanctuary, where Gemma continues to receive ongoing care for laminitis.
Many Dartmoor ponies face uncertain futures, making rescue and rehabilitation incredibly important.
Sheep
Larry and Barney were rescued from entering the meat industry and now live safely at Oaksedge Sanctuary.
Sheep are highly social animals who form strong bonds within their flock and can live for 12–15 years when properly cared for. At the sanctuary, they are free to graze, rest and live without fear or pressure.
Pigs
Our rescue pigs are intelligent, curious and full of personality. Many pigs raised within farming systems are slaughtered between five and ten months old, despite having a natural lifespan of up to 20 years.
At Oaksedge, pigs such as Squiggly, Piggly and Wiggly were rescued from slaughter and are now able to spend their days rooting, exploring and living naturally in safety.
Ducks
Our rescue ducks live within calm outdoor spaces where they can socialise naturally, explore freely and enjoy access to water and open space. Given the right environment, their playful and social personalities quickly begin to shine through.
Turkeys
Turkeys are intelligent, curious and often misunderstood animals. At Oaksedge Sanctuary, they are given the freedom to roam safely, interact naturally and live at a much gentler pace.
Rabbits
Many of our rescued rabbits arrive from neglect, abandonment or unsuitable living conditions. With space, enrichment and proper care, they gradually become more confident, curious and relaxed in their surroundings.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are highly social animals who thrive on companionship and routine. At the sanctuary, they live in calm, enriched environments designed to support their wellbeing and natural behaviours.
Parakeets
Our rescued parakeets require ongoing stimulation, interaction and attentive care. Highly intelligent and social by nature, they are provided with enriched aviary spaces where they can feel safe, active and engaged.
Budgies
Budgies and cockatials
May be small, but they are incredibly social birds who rely on companionship and space to thrive. Their aviaries are designed to encourage movement, interaction and natural flock behaviour.
Quail
Quail are gentle and naturally timid birds who benefit from quiet, secure environments. At Oaksedge Sanctuary, they are cared for within calm spaces where they can safely settle into natural routines.
Pheasants
Our rescued pheasants are given peaceful outdoor environments where they can roam safely and exhibit natural behaviours. Among them is a striking golden pheasant, whose vivid colours and calm nature make him a particularly special resident of the sanctuary.
Llamas & Alpacas
Oaksedge Sanctuary is home to rescued llamas and alpacas, each with their own distinct personalities and care needs. With plenty of outdoor space and peaceful surroundings, they are able to settle into natural routines and live safely within the sanctuary environment.
Foxes
Foxes are regular visitors to the sanctuary and an important part of the local ecosystem. With safe spaces, natural habitats and ongoing feeding support, Oaksedge provides an environment where they can move through the land undisturbed and protected.
Badgers
The sanctuary’s quiet woodland areas and natural surroundings help support local badger populations, who are often seen emerging at dusk. Through rewilding efforts and protected habitats, Oaksedge continues to encourage native wildlife to thrive safely.
Wild Birds
From garden birds and woodland species to birds of prey overhead, Oaksedge is home to a wide variety of wild birds throughout the year. Feeding stations, trees, wildflower meadows and protected natural areas all help create a welcoming environment for local birdlife.
