By now, many of you are aware of the astounding work done at Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
The worn-torn country faces dangers and tragedy daily that many of us couldn’t even imagine.
Survivors flee the area in attempts to save their lives. But there are those that do not have that option.
Animals roam the streets with no shelter or food. Others are abused and neglected with no one to show them a kindness.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
One man refused to abandon these souls and opened the sanctuary.
It was thoughtfully named after his first beloved feline, Ernesto.
Former ambulance driver and paramedic, founder Mohammad Alaa Jalee, is now better known as “The Cat Man of Aleppo”.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
He is a true animal lover to his core. Feline, canine, equine…the list goes on and on!
After his original sanctuaries were bombed and destroyed in November 2016, he has rebuilt his legacy from the ground up. Literally.
Following along on his Facebook page, we soon realized it’s become SO much more than a sanctuary for the unwanted and homeless felines of Syria.
The pure love that can be found scattered across the grounds is shared between numerous species.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Happily for us, Ernesto’s staff and volunteers share the heart warming photos of snuggling animals daily.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
The animals can live the carefree life, free to explore in safety.
And they certainly get into every nook and cranny!
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
We are treated to the dozens and dozens of feline faces that call the sanctuary home.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
They absolutely adore their humans are are sure to always watch out for them.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
With more and more canines needing his help, they are focusing on the new section of the property called Ernesto’s Oasis for Syrian Dogs.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
The team are constantly rescuing new pups from the streets.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Fortunately, many of the cats have apurroved of their new, larger companions.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Many seem to have realized the dogs are wonderfully comfy, over-sized snuggle buddies.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Hide-and-seek is a favorite game to play.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Even the smaller pups are good for some fun playtime…sometimes! LOL
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
A new friend has been welcomed into the mix recently too, Ludovic the hen.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
On November 3rd, she was brought to a nearby farm to live, but overnight she escaped and returned to the sanctuary!
Apparently hens choose you too!!!
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
She happily prances around her new furrier family. Much to their interest and slight confusion.
https://www.facebook.com/TheAleppoCatMen/videos/342637732965481/
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
There are some family members at Ernesto’s that aren’t allowed to roam free with the others.
They are just as loved though!!!
The extra large family members include the numerous horses and a foal, living out back in the stables.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
These beautiful creatures were also in need of the sanctuary’s help.
One had fled when bombs were dropped near his stable and he inured himself while fleeing the scene.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Just last week, 2 more gorgeous animals joined the family, Red Syrian Foxes.
Meet Foxy and Roxy. There is a third sibling that evaded being captured.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
They were to be shot after invading a farm in search of a meal.
When they were originally caught by their would-be executioners, they kept them locked in a small cage.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Ernesto’s wouldn’t have it. They built an enclosed area on their property to house the foxes and keep them safely away from the other animals.
Funds were raised and they purchased the duo.
Happily, the farmers have agreed that if they capture the third fox, it will be sold to Ernesto’s and will join the others.
Another stunning creature that’s currently residing at the sanctuary and recovering, is a hawk.
The predator was used by hunters as bait which sadly resulted in a broken wing.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Again, Ernesto’s raised the money to buy the bird from the hunters just last week so they could save him.
On Wednesday, 11/14, the hawk underwent a skillful surgery to repair the damage done to his wing.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
As soon as he has recovered, he will be released back into the wild.
Last but not least, are two more residents that have their own safe abode.
These are the sanctuary’s rescued monkeys, Said and Saida.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
The Dodo even did a story on the amazing rescue of these abused monkeys.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
They were found being held in small bird cages for 6 months, starving and frightened!
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
So now, all the animals at the sanctuary receive the love and care they deserve each day.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
There are now over 100 cats, almost a dozen dogs and the other WIDE range of animals the doors have been opened to.
…and you thought dinner time was crazy at YOUR house!
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
Thank you to Alaa for having the vision, dedication and determination to never give up on each and everyone of them.
Without you and the team, they would not have survived.
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
The sanctuary could not do this life-saving work without our help, support and donations.
For the holidays, their 2019 desk calendar has arrived.
For the donation amounts listed by country, each person will receive it as a way of showing their thanks.
“These are weekly, spiral bound, desk diaries. Extremely elegant and beautiful, in full color with over 200 amazing, photographs of daily life at Ernesto’s sanctuary. You won’t want to throw this away at the end of the year. It is a photograph album of this unique and special place.”
Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
“With each calendar, you will receive a limited edition preview of the cover of Maxis book, which we hope to publish early in time for Easter 2019!!”
For all the information and to donate, please follow THIS LINK.
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER!
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Photo courtesy of Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats in Syria
I can’t imagine how big must Alaa’s (and his team’s) heart be. ♥
And all those animals it’s still not all he does! He supports local schools by teaching English, printing colorful education materials etc.
He is kind of a superhero..
Thank you Cole, Marm, Jazz, ZigZag and Pawrents for making Ernesto’s House’s story widely known. It deserves to be known. ♥