Meet Our Residents
The Haven at Skanda is a sanctuary for rescued animals and a refuge for endangered breeds. Each animal is unique, with their own personality, bonds, and joy. Here are just a few of the incredible souls who call Skanda home.
Every Animal Has a Story
Coco is the smallest goat at Skanda, and completely unique. She is a bit of a dreamer and hangs back from the group during their wilder moments of playing outside. While the others are running and jumping in the grass, Coco will often be nestled quietly at a distance, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the stillness. One reason she does not jump or play is that Coco suffers from arthritis in her legs, which can sometimes make it painful for her to walk.
Current Residents:
Coco (Coconut)
Norna is leader of the herd, but leads quietly, observing and supporting any horse who needs her by gently moving alongside them.
Norna is a registered thoroughbred who raced from a very early age at the Saratoga racetrack. She comes from a well-known line of winners with famous racehorses in her lineage. On her second race, Norna was injured and sent to a broodmare facility that was later forced to close because of severe abuse of the horses. When she was rescued, Norna was severely underweight and pregnant, ready to give birth.
Norna is a registered thoroughbred who raced from a very early age at the Saratoga racetrack. She comes from a well-known line of winners with famous racehorses in her lineage. On her second race, Norna was injured and sent to a broodmare facility that was later forced to close because of severe abuse of the horses. When she was rescued, Norna was severely underweight and pregnant, ready to give birth.
Norna
Sleipnir is gentle, loving, and very sensitive. He is head shy, becoming nervous when people approach his face and may suddenly pull his head away. Sleipnir came from Mexico, where he was used as a parade horse and treated so poorly that by the time he arrived in the United States at eight years old, he already had a serious hoof injury typically seen only in much older horses.
When he was sold to an American owner, he was heavily drugged to hide the injury. Once the medication stopped and his lameness became apparent, he was rejected. Sleipnir has been part of the Skanda herd from the very beginning and is deeply loved here. His very best friend is Rowan.
When he was sold to an American owner, he was heavily drugged to hide the injury. Once the medication stopped and his lameness became apparent, he was rejected. Sleipnir has been part of the Skanda herd from the very beginning and is deeply loved here. His very best friend is Rowan.
Sleipnir
Amazing Grace is deeply gentle.
Though smaller than some of the other miniature donkeys, she moves among her family with a soft, loving presence that seems to open possibilities. When visitors approach, Amazing Grace is not usually the first to step forward. Instead, she quietly seems to sense who needs a little extra love and will glide over to share herself with whoever needs it most.
Though smaller than some of the other miniature donkeys, she moves among her family with a soft, loving presence that seems to open possibilities. When visitors approach, Amazing Grace is not usually the first to step forward. Instead, she quietly seems to sense who needs a little extra love and will glide over to share herself with whoever needs it most.
Amazing Grace
When Mickey and Goofy were born, their mother Daphne had a difficult time nurturing them. The birth had been hard, and Daphne herself had been born in a goat dairy where she was separated from her own mother at birth. She had never experienced or even witnessed a mother nursing and caring for her newborns.
The morning they were born, Mickey approached Daphne and eventually was allowed to nurse. When Goofy approached, however, Daphne head-butted him and knocked him down.
What happened next was extraordinary. Not even a day old, Mickey bravely stepped in front of Goofy and wrapped his body around his brother, protecting him. With a little help, Daphne eventually allowed both boys to nurse, and her maternal instincts soon blossomed. She went on to become a wonderful mother.
The morning they were born, Mickey approached Daphne and eventually was allowed to nurse. When Goofy approached, however, Daphne head-butted him and knocked him down.
What happened next was extraordinary. Not even a day old, Mickey bravely stepped in front of Goofy and wrapped his body around his brother, protecting him. With a little help, Daphne eventually allowed both boys to nurse, and her maternal instincts soon blossomed. She went on to become a wonderful mother.
Mickey & Goofy
In Memoriam
Forever Loved, Forever Remembered
To all the very special animals who have lived at Skanda, we were lucky to know you, we love you, and we miss you.
To all the very special animals who have lived at Skanda, we were lucky to know you, we love you, and we miss you.
Bentley had a loving, warm quality that drew people to him instantly.
In his early life, Bentley was ridden hard and not treated well when his previous owner was dying of cancer. Despite his difficult past, Bentley became a favorite among visitors, especially children, because he was so gentle and loving.
Even though he was one of the largest horses at Skanda, children always felt safe in his presence.
In his early life, Bentley was ridden hard and not treated well when his previous owner was dying of cancer. Despite his difficult past, Bentley became a favorite among visitors, especially children, because he was so gentle and loving.
Even though he was one of the largest horses at Skanda, children always felt safe in his presence.