This is an urgent emergency appeal from Animals First Aid, in partnership with Blindlove Trust, following a terrifying wildfire that tore through their sanctuary in South Africa just days ago. As fires continue to ravage parts of the Western Cape, including recent outbreaks near Mossel Bay, this tragedy is a painful reminder that we must heed the call to act when disaster strikes.

On the 18th of January, a wildfire started close to the Blindlove sanctuary. Acting on instinct and love, the team began moving horses and donkeys closer to the house as a precaution. Within moments, the fire jumped the road. Flames raced through the sanctuary, burning fences, engulfing vehicles, and surrounding the property in towering walls of fire, thick smoke, and unbearable heat. Communication was cut. Escape was impossible. They were trapped.

Terrified horses and donkeys were gathered into the small green garden around the house, the only patch that had not yet burned. Water was sprayed onto the ground. Prayers were whispered through fear and smoke. Among them were animals who had already survived the worst humans and circumstances could inflict, now facing a new kind of terror.

By what can only be described as a miracle, the fire skipped the house. A tiny oasis remained. Then help arrived. The community came. The vet came. Flames were beaten back. But not all animals could stay. Some cannot share paddocks, and two of the most vulnerable of all, the blind girls Blush and Grace, after whom the sanctuary is named, had to be evacuated. Sedated for their own safety, they were loaded and driven through burning veld to safety, guided by courage, skill, and compassion.

No lives were lost. Every animal survived. For that, we are profoundly grateful.
But the sanctuary is gutted.

Fences are gone. Shelters are destroyed. Grazing land has turned to ash. Blindlove now faces the devastating reality of a full year with zero grazing. Every mouth must be fed. Every paddock must be rebuilt. Every shelter must be constructed again from nothing.

These horses and donkeys were rescued from horrendous situations. Blindlove was meant to be their final chapter, a place of peace, dignity, and safety for the rest of their days. To see that haven reduced to ruins is heartbreaking beyond words.

As fires continue to threaten communities and sanctuaries across the Western Cape, including Mossel Bay, this is the moment to stand together. This is the moment to ensure Blindlove can rise from the ashes.

Animals First Aid is asking, with urgency and hope, for your help today. Your support will help rebuild fences and paddocks, construct shelters, and provide feed through the long, grazing-less months ahead. Every donation is a lifeline. Every act of kindness helps restore safety and peace for animals who have already endured so much.
Please, if you can, stand with Blindlove now. The road ahead is a mountain, but together, we can help them rebuild.