APRIL 2021

Animal Police – Finca Noah – from the beginning to today!

After 15 months of planning and replanning, grueling work, stress, uncertainty, doubt, tears, sore muscles, surprises and dead ends – and tons of building materials moved – the main construction work at Finca Noah is finally complete. What was once an overgrown hillside has been transformed into a perfect refuge for animals and people alike.

Where everything today stands in its rightful place and looks seamlessly integrated, there was nothing at the start of 2020 except the main house and Farah's vision. There were no structures, no kennels, no stables, no enclosures, no paths – but plenty of stones that had to be cleared out of the way, both literally and figuratively. Farah, who has accomplished much in her life, had no building experience and no idea how or where to position the kennels and enclosures, how large and how high they needed to be, where the horses would have their run, where the dogs would sleep and the cats would sunbathe – how to build a sanctuary, basically. But Farah wouldn't be the "impossible-is-nothing" Farah if she hadn't quickly come up with a plan and implemented it with full enthusiasm. Moreover, from the very beginning, amid all the chaos, she was already thinking ahead about the future: for the dogs who might need to stay in kennels for days or weeks while awaiting rehoming, she had three enormous (350 and 450 square meter) outdoor enclosures built, where the rescued dogs can now roam freely. Fun fact: A couple of escape artists figured out that Farah had never built a kennel before – and found a way to break out. Fortunately, they were gentle dogs and not problem cases, so nothing went wrong. The holes are now being filled and the fence reinforced so that all enclosures are absolutely safe and animal-friendly.

But let's go back to the beginning. The property where Finca Noah was to be built was, as mentioned, an overgrown plot with a residential house but without any infrastructure. However, Farah quickly recognized the potential of the 32,000 square meter area and what could be realized there.

Together with veterinarians Manuela and Jann Rapp from Urdorf and the two Animal Police co-founders Robine and Brian, who shared Farah's vision from the start, plans were drawn up and discussions held about how much labor and money would be needed to build a sanctuary for suffering animals here. One architect said it would take at least five years. But things turned out differently.

As soon as the decision was made to rent the property and begin construction, Corona swept over Mallorca too and brought everything to a standstill from March 2020 onward. But in this case, the negative situation also had a positive side. Farah, who spent weeks completely alone with her two dogs on the finca, was able to dedicate almost 100% of her time to the project and pour all her energy into planning and implementation. In doing so, she could let her imagination run free. Creating a sanctuary for abused and tortured animals was Farah's lifelong dream! Following the model of "Gut Aiderbichl" in Austria, Finca Noah is also to be run with great love and passion for the welfare of the animals.

Farah often wondered what had possessed her to launch such a project. She sometimes felt like Robinson Crusoe, who had to endure alone on an island. The culprit wasn't the project itself, but Corona, which had shut everything down on the island, and because of Spain's rigorous lockdown – the property could only be left for the most essential errands, travel was forbidden – Farah was completely isolated and on her own. And that for around five months! WhatsApp chats, FaceTime videos, and phone calls with friends, the team, and of course her deep love for the animals gave her the strength to keep going.

Step by step, at the beginning of 2020, she started cleaning up one corner of the huge property, first collecting all the trash together and filling seven large waste bins. Then the approximately 32,000 square meters of land had to be fenced and paths laid, followed by the construction of dog kennels, horse stables, cat enclosures, chicken, duck, peacock and rabbit coops, a bird cage, storage rooms for animal feed, and shelters for equipment, as well as a large enclosure for sheep (and meanwhile also for the young doe Coco and former children's pony Rambo). Finally – just a few weeks ago – a parrot aviary and a house for our valued volunteers were set up.

With the completion of "Casa Jeannine" at the end of April 2021, the crowning finale of construction work at Finca Noah was marked, celebrated with plenty of Coca-Cola and ice cream! And to ensure that Farah won't have to start building again soon instead of helping, she's already planned ahead here too: more animals can be taken in than the roughly 90 currently at Finca Noah (over 100 four-legged friends have already been rehomed in about a year)! Some were allowed to stay because they were no longer suitable for rehoming. They have found their permanent home at Finca Noah.

Farah's commitment to the animals on Mallorca and Finca Noah naturally didn't go unnoticed. The TV programs "Hundkatzemaus" on VOX and "Adieu Heimat" on the Swiss private broadcaster 3+ have visited Farah and reported on her. For the Swiss expat show "Adieu Heimat," filming just recently took place again at Finca Noah; the episode will air on May 27, 2021. It promises to be exciting, and you'll get to experience Farah and the animals up close. We can't say more, but it's going to be fun!

Now that the infrastructure is in place, Animal Police can focus fully on what it was founded for in 2018: the rescue, care, and support of animals in distress. Day in and day out, around the clock – total animal protection, thanks to Farah!

Corona restrictions and limitations on Mallorca have been eased. You can come again – "Casa Jeannine" is looking forward to new residents.

In this cozily furnished little house, you'll feel very comfortable during your time at Finca Noah. In addition to daily work with the animals, you'll also have the opportunity to relax and enjoy your stay among people and many animals.

APPLY NOW! The Animal Police team is looking forward to you!

Registration: /volunteers/

We ask you, dear animal lovers, not to forget us! The Animal Police Association has taken on so many tasks and challenges to rescue and care for animals. All of this costs an enormous amount of money, and our association depends on your donations. Because it's only through you that all of this is possible!