Meet the Sanctuary Residents

Over the years, we’ve taken in a number of animals who now have permanent sanctuary status. Some date back to the early days, when things were smaller and Heather didn’t ‘need’ to rehome every arrival. Others have come to us with medical or behavioural issues that make them unsuitable for rehoming.

We will never knowingly rehome an animal with unresolved health problems. If an issue can’t be fully treated or managed to a standard we’re happy with, that animal becomes a Sanctuary Resident and stays within our team for life.

Lucky

Lucky Bunny, no longer with us.

Lucky was the bun that started everything. She was the clear runt out of a litter of continental giants I was asked to look after for a couple of days. One look and I couldn't walk away, I offered her a home and took her straight to the vets.

Lucky had two emergency surgeries before she was 10 weeks old, she got her name as she 'would be lucky to survive ' but she did.

She was the absolute sweetest bun, and completely took my heart. Sadly we lost her 12 months later, despite mine and her vets best efforts. I was heartbroken, and still am.

The rescue was named after Lucky, and I feel that it's just perfect to remember her by.

Riggly

Riggly arrived at less than 24 hours old, part of a group of rabbits that included a litter of newborn kits—but no clue who mum was. Despite our best efforts, every single rabbit rejected the babies, leaving us with one very hungry, very determined little fighter.

Against the odds, he was hand raised (Heather will tell you it wasn’t her skills, just Riggly being too stubborn to give up), and somehow he made it through. From day one, he’s done things his way—and he’s never looked back.

Now firmly known as Heather’s baby, Riggly is completely untouchable. No criticism allowed. Ever. 🤣 As you can imagine, he’s grown into a slightly spoiled, mildly bratty little character… but when you’ve fought that hard to be here, you’ve earned it. 🙈

Charlie

Charlie arrived around four years ago with an abscess on his back, which meant he stayed on as a sanctuary resident. Now about five years old, he’s long since recovered—but very much rules the place.

He’s the first to rattle the bars when he wants something (which is often), and has absolutely no issue making his opinions known. Cheeky, demanding, and full of character—Charlie keeps everyone on their toes.

Alma

Alma arrived around four years ago and is now approximately six to seven years old. As she’s got older, she’s also got a bit… grumpier.

Herd life clearly wasn’t her thing, so she’s now living with Charlie, where she’s far happier doing things on her terms. Full of attitude and not afraid to show it, Alma knows exactly what she does—and doesn’t—want.

Derek and Doogie

Derek and Doogie joined us last year when their elderly owner could no longer manage their care. Now both around seven years old, they’ve settled into a slower, well-earned pace of life.

Derek is the more confident of the two, while Doogie is happy to let him take the lead—but both are big fans of a good nose rub. They now live with Heather, where they are completely adored and exactly where they’re meant to be.

Clara

Clara arrived with her daughter Sybil around four years ago, when their owner sadly had to give them up due to allergies.

Now around five to six years old, she’s the calm, steady half of the duo—quietly keeping things in order and never far from her girl. Clara has fully settled into sanctuary life and is a much-loved, permanent resident.

Sybil

Sybil arrived with her mum Clara four years ago when their owner sadly had to give them up due to allergies.

She’s the more curious half of the pair—always first to investigate, first to the food, and never far from whatever’s going on. Closely bonded with her mum, Sybil has settled into sanctuary life and is a firm favourite around here.

Sandra

Sandra arrived around four years ago as part of a group of older females when their elderly owner was no longer able to care for them. She is now the last remaining member of that group, estimated to be around seven years old.

Sandra enjoys company, but very much on her own terms. She’s sociable, independent, and knows exactly how she likes things done—never shy about making that clear.

Hazel

Hazel was born here at the rescue and is now around four years old. She’s a lovely, sociable girl with a gentle, affectionate nature.

Often found grooming her friends or snuggled up in a cosy nap pile, Hazel is one of those calm, grounding personalities in the group. She’s very much part of the heart of the sanctuary.

Mavis

Mavis was the very first rescue guinea pig taken in—offered up for free to the fastest taker. Small in size but huge in personality, she made an instant impression and has been doing so ever since.

Now estimated to be around five to six years old, Mavis gets on with everyone and takes everything in her stride. Confident, friendly, and full of character, she remains a firm favourite and a true original of the rescue.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg came in with Hazel’s mum, Mildred (sadly now no longer with us), after their previous owner was looking to rehome them quickly.

She’s a quiet, gentle little character—friendly and sweet, but very much prefers to stay out of any drama. A couple of years ago, Nutmeg had to have an eye removed after a hay seed became lodged in it, and she’s taken it all in her stride ever since.

Now she enjoys a peaceful, uncomplicated life exactly as she likes it.

Malteser

Malteser arrived as part of a group of guinea pigs who were destined to be used as snake food, but thankfully she was rescued in time and brought safely into our care.

Now estimated to be around six years old, she’s a calm, gentle little girl who has long since left that beginning behind her. Malteser enjoys a quiet, peaceful life and the safety of a home where she is valued, protected, and very much loved.

Smartie

Smartie came into our care after being sadly given up due to allergies. She is now around six years old.

She’s a bright, gentle girl who has settled well into sanctuary life. Smartie enjoys a calm routine, familiar company, and the safety of a home where she is cared for and understood.

Frank

Frank is approximately five years old and a wonderfully calm, easy-going boy.

Unusually for a male guinea pig, he’s completely content living in a large herd of 12 girls alongside Freddie. He takes everything in his stride and fits into group life effortlessly, enjoying the quiet rhythm of sanctuary living and the company around him.

Freddie

Freddie is around five years old and known for his permanently grumpy-looking face—though don’t be fooled, he’s a very calm and steady boy underneath it all.

He lives happily alongside Frank and a herd of 12 female sanctuary pigs, where he keeps a low profile and takes everything in his stride. Quiet, settled, and well-mannered, Freddie is very much part of the group despite his unimpressed expression.

Harriet

Harriet—affectionately known to the team as “Harriet the Hamster”—came into our care as a baby guinea pig.

She was initially introduced to the herd for support and companionship, and never quite left. Now around 18 months old, she’s grown up within the group and is gradually finding her place.

Naturally quiet and a little reserved, Harriet is gaining confidence day by day and becoming more comfortable in herself. She’s a gentle presence in the herd and very much part of sanctuary life.

Daisy

Daisy came into our care due to allergies and is now around five years old.

She’s a quiet, gentle member of the herd who prefers a peaceful life and familiar company. Around 18 months ago, Daisy was spayed due to ovarian cysts and has recovered well since. She now enjoys stable sanctuary life at her own steady pace.

Betty

Betty came in alongside Malteser and is now around five to six years old.

Last year, she sadly had to have an eye removed following a ruptured cataract, but she has made a full recovery and takes it all completely in her stride. Betty is a steady, resilient girl who enjoys her peaceful sanctuary life.

Daphne

Daphne is a six-year-old guinea pig who joined us two years ago after sadly losing her companion. Her owner asked that she remain as a permanent sanctuary resident, ensuring she would always have a safe and stable home.

She’s a calm, gentle girl who enjoys a quiet life and the comfort of routine. Daphne has settled in beautifully and is very much a cherished part of the sanctuary.

Ginger

Ginger is around five years old and came into our care after being sold for just £10, where finding any home seemed to matter more than finding the right one.

On arrival she was very withdrawn, spending most of her time hiding and avoiding the herd. With time, patience, and the right companionship, she slowly began to come out of her shell. It also became clear that Ginger is completely deaf, which helped explain a lot of her early uncertainty.

She now lives happily with Daphne and Bruno, where she is settled, confident, and finally comfortable in her world.

Bruno

Bruno originally came in from Guinea Garden as a companion for Charlie and is now around six years old.

He was neutered a couple of years ago and has since found his perfect little group. Bruno now lives happily with Ginger and Daphne, where he’s settled, sociable, and very much part of their calm, easy-going trio.

Roland

Roland is one of our permanent sanctuary residents due to mobility issues, meaning he needs a little extra support in daily life.

He now lives a pampered life with team member Emma, where he gets all the care and comfort he needs. Despite everything, Roland is full of personality and keeps everyone entertained with his cheeky nature.

He’s also bonded with Emma’s rabbit Winston — an unlikely pair, with Winston a big gentle giant and Roland much smaller, but they get on brilliantly

Snowflake

Snowflake has recently returned to us and is now part of our sanctuary due to ongoing health issues that require long-term care and monitoring.

She’s a gentle girl who needs a stable, understanding environment where her needs can be closely managed. While she may require extra support, Snowflake is settling back in well and enjoying the comfort and safety of sanctuary life.

She’ll now remain with us, where we can ensure she gets everything she needs to stay happy and comfortable. 🤍

Ginger Balls and White Balls

Ginger Balls & White Balls – Our Golden Oldies

Ginger Balls and White Balls are two of our much-loved elderly guinea pigs who are now enjoying the quieter side of life in sanctuary care. These boys are staying with Emma, where they can receive the extra attention, warmth, and gentle routine that older piggies need.

Now well into their senior years, they prefer a calm and comfortable setup, with plenty of soft bedding, good food, and space to relax. While they may be a little slower these days, they still have their own sweet personalities and enjoy their daily routines—especially mealtimes!

Due to their age and ongoing care needs, Ginger Balls and White Balls will remain as permanent sanctuary residents. This means they can live out their lives in a stable, familiar environment where their health and wellbeing can be closely supported.

They are a lovely reminder that every guinea pig deserves care, patience, and love in their later years. We’re so happy to give them a safe and cosy retirement home with Emma. 💛

Willy Wonker and Marilyn Bunroe

Willy Wonker arrived from an over-breeding situation and was quickly diagnosed with EC, a parasite that affects the brain in rabbits. Despite developing a slight head tilt, he is coping very well and his condition is being successfully managed with medication.

He now lives with one of our dedicated fosterers who has taken the time to fully educate herself on EC, giving him the specialist care he needs in a calm, understanding home.

At the end of last year, Marilyn Bunroe also came into our care and was similarly diagnosed with EC. Normally, our policy is not to mix poorly rabbits with healthy ones due to the risk of infection—but in this case, as Willy was already a carrier, there was no additional risk to either rabbit.

Our wonderful fosterer kindly opened her home and heart to both of them, and together Willy Wonker and Marilyn Bunroe have truly landed on their wonky little feet.

Bambi and David Hasslehop

Meet Bambi & David Hasselhop 🐰🤍

Bambi and David Hasselhop are one of our special sanctuary pairs, both with ongoing health needs but full of character.

Bambi is a Mini Rex who arrived in June 2025. She came to us underweight with a swollen abdomen, and further tests confirmed liver disease causing fluid build-up. Despite this, she’s a bright, active girl who loves binkying around the garden and spending time with David.

David Hasselhop arrived in August 2025 after being found scared in the road. He’s an older Lionhead cross with ongoing dental and respiratory issues. He’s a firm favourite with the team and enjoys a quiet life grazing and relaxing — earning his title as our resident lawn mower.

The pair are closely bonded and take comfort in each other, enjoying a calm and happy life together here in the sanctuary.

Roxy

Roxy was born here at the rescue to a group of guinea pigs that came in from an over-breeding situation.

She has a slight eye deformity, which we are monitoring closely. At the moment it isn’t affecting her at all, but as it may cause issues in the future, we have made the decision to keep her as a permanent sanctuary resident.

Roxy is a bright, lively girl who is thriving in a safe, monitored environment where her long-term wellbeing always comes first.

Marshall

Marshall is one of three boys who were found abandoned by the local canal.

He is an older guinea pig who unfortunately has damaged lungs from previous infections, so comfort and a quiet, settled life are very important for him. Marshall takes everything at his own gentle pace and is happiest when things are calm and predictable.

He’s all about good food, cosy surroundings, and plenty of veggies—and is very much enjoying the safe, easy-going life he deserves.

Sponsored by Sara Lawrence and her piggies

Boris and Leo

Margot

Margot came into our care alongside Betty and Malteser after being rescued from a group destined for snake food.

She is now estimated to be around five years old and has settled into sanctuary life well. Margot is a steady, gentle girl who enjoys the safety of a calm environment and the comfort of knowing she is no longer at risk.

Winnie

Winnie is around four years old and came into our care when she was handed over alongside a male guinea pig. Thankfully, she was not pregnant.

She’s a gentle, steady girl who has settled well into sanctuary life. Winnie enjoys the safety and stability of her environment and is very much enjoying a calm, cared-for life where she can simply be herself.

Grace

Grace came into our care from an over-breeding situation and is now around three years old.

She’s a gentle, sweet-natured girl who has settled into sanctuary life beautifully. Grace is learning to enjoy the safety, space, and stability she now has, and is very much thriving in her new, calm environment.

Kevin

Kevin arrived in December 2025 and is a lethal white guinea pig. He is blind and deaf, and only has one front tooth—but none of that slows him down.

He is, quite simply, the happiest little pig you could meet and the definition of cute chaos. Kevin lives with team member Amy’s Lucky Bunny pig, Ted, and the pair have formed a lovely bond.

He is also very much the most spoiled member of the family and is most often found fast asleep, tucked up and cuddled in with whichever human has been selected as his current nap spot.

Tilly

Tilly came into our care as part of a large group of guinea pigs from a breeding situation, estimated to be only around three weeks old. With no sign of her mum, she was carefully integrated into the sanctuary herd to give her the security and companionship she needed at such a young age.

Naturally nervous and a little reserved, Tilly has always preferred the safety of familiar faces and gentle surroundings. For that reason, we made the decision to let her remain exactly where she feels most comfortable.

Now a settled member of the group—part guinea pig, part mountain goat—Tilly continues to thrive in a safe, stable environment at her own quiet pace.