In loving memory of Lotus Lumps
This is Lotus’ story. Her memory is the driving force behind everything that we do.
Lotus, named after the iconic sports car the Lotus Elan, was born on May 11th 2021. She was one of a set of twins born to her mum, Lamborghini. Tragically, her twin passed away just moments after birth due to deformities. Weighing a mere 1 kilogram, Lotus was so tiny that her mother rejected her, refusing to nurture her. It was clear that Lotus would not survive without intervention so Hayley rescued her and took her home to hand-rear her.
Lotus settled in and seemed to be taking well to her new home, but she suddenly lost the ability to walk. Her legs seemed to be failing her entirely, and the initial assessments suggested an untreatable internal issue, recommending euthanasia. However, Hayley's maternal instinct and determination was unshakable.
Hayley embarked on an extensive research journey, determined to find a solution. She would gently lift Lotus by her tummy with a towel to help her stand, give her daily massages for her little legs, and tried a variety of treatments and steroids. Through her unwavering efforts, Lotus defied all odds and regained her ability to walk. Lotus blossomed into a joyful, energetic little girl, and would skip, hop, run and jump all over the place!
As Lotus grew, Hayley attempted to integrate her into the rest of the flock in the field at the bottom of her garden. But our princess Lotus was stubborn, and preferred her home comforts and steady supply of ginger biscuits. Hayley decided to transform a shed into Lotus’ personal barn at the top of the garden, as close to the house as possible.
On August 19th 2022, only a few months after her first birthday, Lotus suffered sudden and unexpected liver failure. While away, Hayley received the devastating call and immediately rushed back to Lotus. They sought help from three different vets but, unhappy with the bleak conclusions and desperate to save her, Hayley drove Lotus to the Royal Veterinary College in London, in search of expert care.
Despite Hayley’s efforts, Lotus passed away that night. The depth of sorrow and loss was immeasurable, but through the grief, Hayley decided to name the sanctuary after Lotus.
Lotus was the light of Hayley’s life, and her memory is now kept alive by the incredible work the sanctuary provides, by saving as many sheep and other animals that we possibly can.
