Forever friends on the SPCA farmyard
An affectionate alpaca, a gluttonous goat and a loose goose are just some of the charismatic animals make up a parade of permanent pets at Nelson’s SPCA.
Staff at the SPCA see many domestic animals arrive and plenty adopted out, but there are several outdoor animals that call the SPCA their home.
Looking into the hilly paddock on Waimea Rd next to the SPCA, it’s hard to miss the lone alpaca grazing with a flock of sheep.
Nelson SPCA manager Donna Walzl said the alpaca, named Zeto, has been there for a few years after being given to them by a supporter who raises alpacas. Occasionally an alpaca doesn’t like mingling with its own herd so Zeto ended up keeping the company of sheep.
She said Zeto has claimed the sheep as his own.
‘‘You can’t take the sheep away from him, he is very protective of them.
‘‘He cries if you take the sheep away for shearing or anything. He gets quite upset.’’
Zeto gets a lot of love in return for his dedication to keeping the grass grazed and the sheep safe.
Walzl said he’s lovely to have around.
‘‘We enjoy him.’’
Zeto is still in contact with his original owner who does his oiling and drenching, as well as getting Zeto’s hair cut and trimming his hooves.
The same SPCA supporter also helps with the SPCA’s farmyard goat, Charlie.
Charlie was removed from his original home in February, where he wasn’t receiving the right level of care.
Walzl said he’s very cool.
‘‘He quite likes company and he’s very keen on food. He wants to be around people.’’
Recently, Charlie was able to enjoy the company of his own kind, a nanny goat that had been found wandering through town in Wellington. Unfortunately, Charlie’s newfound friend was only a brief encounter.
The SPCA is now looking for a mate for Charlie as goats aren’t solitary animals.
Before Charlie was on the scene, a nanny called Hazel was in residence for several years until old age and respiratory problems meant the end of a long, happy life for her. Hazel’s milk had helped raise many puppies at the SPCA.
The puppies ‘‘thrived’’ on the milk, Walzl said.
Among the ducks and chickens on the farm is a goose, aptly named Lucy.
Walzl said Lucy has been raised from a chick after being found by someone. Despite having a feminine name, Walzl isn’t completely sure if Lucy really is a ‘‘she’’.
Having been at the SPCA farm for a few years, Lucy has never left, except for one little adventure.
The SPCA once received a call from a local saying they had a goose loose in their house.
Lucy made a flying visit to Tahuna and chased somebody around their home, Walzl said.
‘‘They wouldn’t have realised she just wanted company.’’
The SPCA have seen many personalities come and go through their doors.
Walzl said in a place that has animals arriving and leaving all the time, it’s nice to have some that stay.
‘‘It’s lovely to see them go off to homes but it’s really nice for us to have a few around that we can get attached to.’’