A goat called Olaf has undergone emergency surgery, sparking a heartbreaking cash appeal from the sanctuary that takes care of him.
Olaf – part of the Woodlands Animal Sanctuary trio of “frozen goats”, alongside his sister Elsa and his mum Anna – was rushed in for emergency surgery on a compacted gut.
The odds of survival were given at 50/50. While he was in theatre, something heartbreaking was happening back at the sanctuary.
Anna and Elsa spent the night calling out for him, wondering where their son and brother had gone after two years of being inseparable. Eventually, tired and confused, mum and daughter curled up together and went to sleep.
The good news: Olaf came through surgery. He’s brighter this morning and – importantly for a goat – is able to eat small amounts. He’s due to be discharged later today.
A woodlands sanctuary spokesperson said: “The less straightforward news: he’s showing some neurological symptoms.
“A slight tremor, occasional unsteadiness on his back legs. We’re watching him carefully and taking nothing for granted. The next few days are still crucial.
“
“Olaf, Elsa and Anna came to us in 2024, and have barely looked back since. They’ve become firm favourites at our open days, community hubs and school visits – cute, curious, full of personality, and utterly unaware of how much they’re loved.
“The cost of Olaf’s emergency surgery comes to over £1,000. Unexpected, and significant for a small charity like ours.
“If you’re able to help – even a small amount – it goes directly toward getting him back to full health and home to his favourite girls.”