Volunteer Experience at Finca Noah (Meike)

I was a volunteer helper at the new Finca Noah 2.0 for ten days from December 27, 2025 to January 6, 2026. I have to say: it was simply wonderful.

I got to know Finca Noah as a place where animals that have long been unseen or unheard finally receive attention and care. Animal welfare, the well-being of the animals, and their loving and clean care are what matters most here. Even though the new Finca Noah 2.0 is still being developed, you can already see what an idyll this place will become for both humans and animals. New structures are currently being created, and many things need to be reorganized – but all the people here, especially Farah and her family, are real powerhouses! Every day brings new helpers who pitch in together and support the development step by step.

The weather didn't make things easy for us during this time. It was often cold, rainy, and muddy – but that didn't matter. No matter what the weather: the work continues, and most importantly, the animals are cared for reliably and with so much love at all times. The well-being of the animals always comes first.

Mornings usually began quite early with the first cock-a-doodle-doo from the chickens – a sound that immediately conveyed peace and a feeling of freedom to me. A little highlight was the morning egg that the same chicken laid in a small cat house every day. Collecting that egg put a smile on my face every single day. After that, the work would begin.

The encounters with the animals made this time especially meaningful for me. The dogs greeted me every morning with wagging tails, the cats came to me wanting to be petted. Experiencing how such a bond with the animals develops so quickly really touched me deeply. Very often I found it hard to keep working because I could barely pull myself away from them. Many of the animals even preferred cuddles to food – what faithful souls! I welcomed them all into my heart.

My main task during these ten days was caring for the cats throughout the entire property. Although I'm actually a big dog person, this work opened my heart all over again in a completely new way. With them, you quickly notice how grateful, affectionate, and trusting they are. It's clear that many of them have regained trust and experienced love at Finca Noah, despite the many different stories behind each of them. Everything here is created with so much love, and the animals reflect that in their behavior!

Over time, I became increasingly familiar with the daily routine. At first it takes a few days to understand everything and settle in – but then you know what needs to be done, you see the work, and everyone pulls together in the same direction.

On some evenings we sat together at the table and ate together. Everyone was tired and exhausted, but at the same time satisfied – knowing that all the animals were well cared for and that things had progressed another step forward both organizationally and in the development of the Finca. Even though it sometimes feels too slow, especially for Farah, and many advances aren't immediately visible, during these ten days I witnessed how much work happens here and how much is being built day after day. There's really a lot going on behind the scenes. 🙂

Working at the Finca is something you do with your whole heart – because you're rewarded in a very special way. That's why saying goodbye was very difficult for me, and my greatest wish is that every animal available for adoption will find a loving home.

To Farah, Nadine, and Juan, and to the entire team in the background: the work you do every day with such dedication and love is incredible! My days with you showed me what animal welfare really means. Being allowed to witness this and be part of it has been deeply fulfilling.

I returned to Germany with full energy – because the time at Finca Noah gives you the feeling and inspiration to keep going and want to achieve even more.

Best regards
Meike