Lakeside farm a lifeline for animals in need

DANIELLE Press didn’t set out to turn her eighty-acre property into an animal rescue farm but she now rehomes up to one hundred animals every year.

Ms Press originally bought the property overlooking Lake Eppalock seven years ago as a retreat where she could get away from city life and relax.

“The previous owner left his herd of cattle on the property when I took over,” she said, “but I knew nothing about cows.

“I organised for them to be sent off to market but fate intervened. I noticed one cow acting strangely and asked a man helping me build fences to take a look.

“He did and suggested I go back down the paddock with him. I arrived just in time to see a calf being born.

“That was it; they weren’t going anywhere.”

Soon after, a friend with some alpacas needing a home contacted her.

“I’m a sucker, and they came to live here, too,” said Ms Press.

A miniature pig living in the city who outgrew his miniature status came next.

“His name is Loki and I named the property after him,” Ms Press said.

“More animals arrived and were becoming increasingly more expensive to feed and care for. A friend suggested I run the farm as a registered charity so I could better help them and others.

“Six weeks later Loki’s Lodge was given charitable status.”

Helping Ms Press to run the property is her nephew Sean who was looking for a change in direction.

“Sean does most of the hard work while I do the administration,” she said.

“We also have volunteers who come in to help and McIntyre’s Veterinary Surgery in Kyneton have been wonderful.

“More and more people are moving off the land and can’t take their animals. We take them in, care for them and find new homes with loving owners.

“At the present time we have donkeys, horses, sheep, cattle, poultry, alpacas and pigs, and we get calls every week wanting us to rehome more.

“Every donation is appreciated. They all go towards helping the animals and are tax deductable.”

To donate or volunteer at Loki’s Lodge visit lokislodge.org or head to their Facebook page.