Animals are everywhere at Estelle Almy. From chickens to horses, they have all been grouped together on nearly 3 hectares, in Grenade-sur-l'Adour, since February 2024. A first space is reserved for ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs. Every morning, she lifts up the blankets which warm the little creatures from the cool of the night. “It’s important that they are warm,” explains Estelle.
The rabbits roam freely, while the guinea pigs are inside a large cage, on the grass. “They mow the grass, so we move their enclosure regularly so they always have something to snack on. » All the animals she welcomes are abandoned or rescued from the slaughterhouse.
The five ferrets were brought to the shelter “because their owners could no longer or did not want to take care of them.” “These are animals that are quite poorly understood. People think it's enough to put them in a cage, but they need space, to go outside, and contact, like dogs or cats. And they can bite,” says the young woman, who bears some scars from previous bites.
71 horses saved
On the other side of the garden, five goats, including Oreo, the youngest and most cuddly “because he’s in heat,” explains the owner with a laugh. They were destined for the slaughterhouse. Just like the three horses and two ponies trotting a little further away. Among them, Aventure, a mare rescued in 2012. “It’s the first animal I saved. The refuge is named in his honor. » In total, she was able to save, and sometimes place in foster families, 71 horses.
Estelle Almy was based in the Basque Country and owned another shelter, which was forced to close because the bills were too high. “With around thirty horses, veterinary costs could easily reach 5,000 euros. »
In the Landes, the enthusiast ensures that she will not welcome more than thirty animals, to avoid a similar situation. “We operate with donations. Even if we would like to save all the animals, there is an economic reality. » Today, it is ferret food that represents the majority of the budget. “They feed on meat, rodents and kibble. It's very expensive! »
Ferrets need human contact and tenderness, like dogs or cats.
A.J.
The Adventure Shelter faced its first economic difficulties at the beginning of November, when storm Kirk tore the roof off the horse boxes. “I launched a fundraiser, because my insurance did not cover these costs, to my great surprise,” sighs the young woman. 1,800 euros were raised to start work on the new roof.
“Animal mediation”
The small farm works with several centers for disabled people. “We put them in contact with ponies, who are very sociable, or guinea pigs. This allows certain non-verbal autistic people to open up when in contact with animals. Animal mediation works very well. »
The well-being of animals, but also of humans, is Estelle Almy's entire mission. Animals open for adoption are based on strict criteria. “We make sure that the host family is well aware of the gesture they are carrying out, and that they will be able to meet all of the animal's needs. »
A.J.
The goats benefit from several hectares.
