The Animals of SJL
| Animal | Background | Character |
|---|---|---|
BantamsBettie, Balenzeaga, Babushka, Bambi and Bazinga
|
These ‘mini chickens’ arrived with us as 3 month old chicks and have fitted in so quickly that it wasn’t long before they began producing eggs, which the staff enjoy using each week to make cakes, omelettes and all sorts of delicious dishes. |
Bettie is the matriarchal leader of the bantams and they are extremely friendly. You will often find Babushka following you around. They love to be stroked and often fly up onto people’s shoulders or their laps. |
GoatBonnie
|
Bonnie was rescued (along with her son) from a field where they had been left on their own and not treated well at all. Bonnie is in charge of the whole area and often lets the other animals know about it! |
Bonnie is much more friendly now as she has learnt to trust humans again – although when the vet comes to check on them, she is less trusting… Like many goats, Bonnie can be a little mischievous and definitely keeps us on our toes! |
Guinea PigsBonzo and Bounty
|
These two sweet little boys were rehomed with us and are around four years old. They have settled in very well and are amongst the cutest residents of our farm. |
They are our ‘lawnmowers’ due to their ability to eat up patches of grass in minutes. They love to duck in and out of tunnels and also chase each other around. Their favourite food is broccoli – they definitely get their ‘five a day!’ |
RabbitsBruno and Bugsy
|
This is our saddest story (with a happy ending!). When an SJL family noticed movement from an old hutch in the back garden of some neighbours who had moved out the week before, they went in and found our two rabbits left without food or water. A miracle that they even survived! SJL was then contacted by the family and we gave the boys a new home. |
Bruno is a ‘lionhead’ rabbit which means he is a big ball of fluff and needs constant combing. Bugsy is very protective of Bruno and you can often find him cleaning his friend! Both Bugsy and Bruno love carrot and every other sort of vegetables they can get hold of. |
Sheep (Lambs)Bumble and Bee
|
These two young ladies joined our farm to give Bonnie some company after the sad death of her son, Billy. The lambs arrived in January 2021 at the age of 10 months old and have settled in well. |
After a rather timid start (which is to be expected after living on a working farm) Bumble and Bee have become more confident and now allow us to stroke them. They always seem to know when the treats come out and are beginning to compete with Bonnie! |
Snake (Corn Snake)Tyson
|
Tyson is the Science department’s resident snake. He is a corn snake, a totally harmless breed usually found near the corn fields of N America (hence the name corn snake!) We have had Tyson for several years now, after he was donated by an ex pupil. We don’t know his exact age, but he’s certainly been here for a long time! |
Tyson is generally rather lazy and can usually be found snoozing on his heat mat at the back of his vivarium. He likes to come out of his vivarium in the summer months to bask in the sun. You can tell if Tyson is annoyed because he makes a rattling sound to imitate a rattle snake and seem threatening! Tyson’s favourite meal is mouse! |
TortoisesTony, William and Jessie
|
Certainly some of our oldest residents at SJL, William (99), Jessie (87) and Tony (a mere baby at 7), came to us from families that need them looking after during their non-hibernating months. |
Our tortoises add a sense of tranquillity and relaxation to the farm area due to their slow pace of life (something we can all learn from!) and warm nature. |
CatsSarah-Jane and Lily
|
Sarah-Jane and Lily (SJL) came to us as kittens. They lived in the sixth form block for a while but soon grew in confidence and took over the site. Lily later decided to adopt a family living close by, where she is being very well taken care of and is happy not to be living with her rather bossy sister. |
Sarah-Jane is a beautiful fluffy tortoiseshell who thoroughly enjoys being the only cat on the block. She has her favourites amongst the students and staff and is often found sitting by the gates at the start and end of the day hoping for a tummy rub as people come and go. If you are lucky, she might say hello… in cat language of course! |
