Experience report on volunteering at Finca Noah (Lucrezia)

It was finally here.... my holiday!

Where to? It was relatively clear to me that I was going to Mallorca. Not that I'd never been there before, but this year my destination was Finca Noah - not a beach holiday, but helping out where I was needed.

I landed in Palma with my suitcase and a big heart for animals. I sat down in a café and watched the tourists, all full of energy for their holidays under palm trees and cocktails at the bar.

I asked myself whether I wouldn't rather go to a hotel with a pool after all or whether I had made the right decision, but I didn't have to think about it for long and wouldn't have swapped places with anyone for any money in the world.

So I drove to Farah full of anticipation and had no idea what to expect.

The reception committee was already at the gate. Everyone welcomed me with a hug and the barking of dogs. I had finally arrived! 

On the tour, I quickly realised how big and clean the facility is. I also realised that this is not a pony farm, but that there is a lot of work and love behind it and I was looking forward to it...

The next morning, the sun was shining and my first working day began. All 143 animals were already waiting and were happy to see us, each in their own way.

I quickly learnt, as Farah would have it, that the cleanliness and tidiness of every enclosure and the utensils have a high priority and the work had to be done accordingly. But that is exactly what makes Finca Noah what it is today.

The working hours flew by, non-stop from one enclosure to another, always surrounded by all the loving and grateful animals that kept us company while we worked. Moments that are priceless, even if it wasn't always physically easy, I felt a very special energy that drove me forward.

As the beach is in the immediate vicinity, you could relax there in the afternoon or do something together before going back to work.

In the evening, I fell into bed dead tired and slept more soundly than I had for a long time. 

After a week, I flew back with a heavy heart, a small cat in my luggage and many unforgettable memories.

I would like to thank everyone I met during my time at Finca Noah for allowing me to be a small part of it for a short time.

I would also like to thank those who contribute to treating the animals with love every day and help each one to receive the dignity they deserve...., even if it is just a mouse. 

I have taken some of Farah's tidiness with me to Switzerland. I now pick up leaves from the floor (almost) every day and wash out the food containers twice...

You can still learn at over 50.

It's clear to me that I'll be back one day and I'm very happy to recommend this type of holiday to others.

Thank you Farah for creating this little paradise full of heart and soul, not for your own benefit, but to pass on something that many people have forgotten:

Respect & love for animals

Lucrezia