AN animal sanctuary that offers homes for life to sheep, cows and llamas with deformities or that have suffered cruelty or neglect, has welcomed their newest guest – a lamb named Q, who contracted the Schmallenberg virus.
Tina Harkin and husband James Gomersall run the Orinoco Animal Sanctuary in Llangunllo, near Knighton, having relocated recently from Shropshire.
The big-hearted couple rescue animals that have suffered through neglect, cruelty or been victims of unfortunate circumstances.
Animal welfare teams and vets have worked closely with Tina and James to re-home more than 100 animals over the years, from Kunekune pigs to llamas, dwarf cows and a tame hand-reared roe deer.
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Q is the most recent arrival, having been taken in after Tina and James were approached by a young farmer from the Ludlow area.
“We currently have a lamb with us who, due to Schmallenberg virus, has deformed front legs,” said Tina.
“We have had an offer from a prosthetic specialist who made her a prosthetic limb. Her story is one of utter strength.”
Q, a Suffolk ewe lamb, was born with Schmallenberg – a virus that can be transmitted to a foetus from an infected pregnant animal, and can lead to abortion and malformations of the foetus.
Infected midges pass the virus to ewes in autumn/winter and many early lambs have unfortunately suffered.
Tina said Q showed an “inner strength and zest for life” straight away, and has also formed a special early bond with James, who himself has a prosthetic leg following a car accident a little over 10 years ago.
“Q managed to get about on three legs and a bent knee but obviously this has an impact on other joints,” said Tina.
“She idolised James, maybe because he too has disability. James had a car accident in 2013 and after many operations had a below knee amputation in 2017.
“He has been through a very tough time physically and mentally but his love for the animals saved him, or should I say their love for him.”
James previously formed a strong bond with his prosthetist, Howard Woolley, during his treatment in Manchester.
And Howard was so touched when he encountered Q that he offered to design a prosthetic leg for her too, one that would allow her to lead a life on the same level as her peers. He has done this at no cost to the sanctuary.
“We are a home for life sanctuary where every animal stays with us despite their needs until they pass on,” said Tina, who added that the couple re-named their business the Orinoco Animal Sanctuary after moving to Powys, following the death of Tina’s pony Orinoco, who passed away aged 33 last year.
“We have the animals cremated and ensure they have love until the very last second of their lives.
“We were named Brook House Sanctuary for Animals when we lived near Clun. We have relocated purely for the animals to have more space and freedom.
“We love the area so we're delighted to find Coed Harbour at Llangunllo.”
Tina said they will be opening for public events, in order to raise funds for animals, from July onwards. “But, if people do want to visit, they are always welcome,” she added.
To find out more about the Orinoco Animal Sanctuary and their story, visit the website at https://orinocoanimalsanctuary.co.uk/.
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