As community members help the less fortunate during the holiday season, animals are also in need. The Black Forest Animal Sanctuary of the Charlotte & Romero Wildlife nonprofit organization is in need of volunteers, foster homes and donations such as feed hay. The organization is struggling to stay afloat through the winter.For about 11 years, the sanctuary has provided a safe haven for homeless animals by offering foster care, shelter and food. The sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation farm dedicated to helping animals that are neglected, abused or no longer wanted by owners.The sanctuary aims to find animals a stable home. The majority of animals, especially horses, are surrendered because owners relocate or cannot afford to care for the animals.Two horses were relinquished by an owner who moved to Dallas. An elderly couple gave up two Jacob sheep, said Tracy VanPelt, director.ìMost animals that we get, people canít afford to keep them as they move,î she said. ìHay is our biggest need. We want to be able to feed what we can.îA year ago, feed hay cost about $6 a bail and now feed hay is about $11 a bail.About 30 horses are presently at the sanctuary. Several horses are awaiting new homes, some are companion horses and others are ready for performance. The sanctuary is also a temporary home for ducks, chickens, geese, miniature donkeys, alpacas, lamas, goats and a pig; which was abandoned south of Fountain.ìWe rely strictly on donations,î VanPelt said. ìNo volunteers are paid; 100 percent of donations go to feeding and animal expenses.îDan Andrews is a volunteer who is between jobs. Daily, he applies for online jobs and then volunteers at the sanctuary as much as 40 hours a week.ìWe could definitely use help,î Andrews said.The sanctuary relies on the kindness of people and occasional fundraisers that include silent auctions, VanPelt said.ìWe are always looking for foster homes,î she added.School classes often visit the farm, which is similar to a petting zoo in the summer.The sanctuary is at 16750 Thompson Rd. Black Forest, CO 80908. For more information call 719-494-0158 or visit https://bfasfarm.org.
