Ferne Animal Sanctuary facts for kids

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a special place for animals. It was started in Dorset, England, by Nina Douglas-Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton during the Second World War. Since 1975, the sanctuary has been located near Wambrook, in Somerset.

How It All Started

The Duchess of Hamilton cared deeply about animals. She was worried about pets during the war. Many people had to leave their homes to fight. This meant their pets might be left alone, or even put down.

The Duchess wanted to help these animals. She wanted to create a safe, temporary home for them. She even made an announcement on the BBC radio. She asked for "homes in the country" for dogs and cats. These were pets that might otherwise starve or be shot.

In 1940, the Duchess set up the first sanctuary. It was at her home, the Ferne Estate in Dorset. It was a heated building that could keep animals warm. Staff went to East End of London to rescue pets. Hundreds of animals were brought to her home in St John's Wood first. She even apologized to her neighbors because of all the barking!

The Sanctuary Grows

When the war ended, many pet owners did not come back. This meant the animals at Ferne Animal Sanctuary needed a permanent home. So, the sanctuary became a lasting place for animals.

In 1965, it officially became a charity. This meant it could get donations to help more animals.

In 1975, the sanctuary moved to a new, bigger location. It moved about 50 miles west to its current spot. This new home is 51 acres big. It is near Wambrook, Somerset, and looks over the beautiful River Yarty valley.

In 2015, Ferne Animal Sanctuary celebrated a big birthday. It was their 75th anniversary! This shows how long they have been helping animals in need.