The HespeGarden

Operation Liberation Herd

  How the Process Works                  Pictures of Some of Our Herd           

The animals that comprise the Operation Liberation Herd are those that have come to HespeGarden in from situations that compromised their welfare, health, wellbeing or, in some circumstances, at managements discretion.  These camelids will remain under our care, custody, and control permanently.  A myriad of situations make up their backgrounds but they all look to a common goal....Serenity.
Once a camelid arrives at HespeGarden, they are placed in Quarantine for a minimum of 30 days.  There are some cases that remain in this phase longer than this minimum period. Once deemed healthy & behaviorally sound, the individual is moved into the Evaluation Phase where the determination is made that he/she is suitable for placement (adoption) or integration into the HespeGarden Operation Liberation Herd.    How the process works:
Quarantine Phase	While in the Quarantine Phase animals are evaluated for health, behavior, wellbeing, and overall strengths & weaknesses. During this time, Lee will work with animals individually to gain trust, earn respect, and get them as close to perfect health as physically possible.  Our Vet may be called to offer further assistance and gelding takes place once animal health allows.  We partner with the State of Vermont Department of Agriculture, therefore Lee is in continual communication with the regional Animal Welfare Specialists. There a some animals that may reside in Quarantine Phase for much longer than thirty days.  As camelids are very social creatures, we respect that companionship is a requirement during this Phase.	Bio-security is taken very seriously on our Ranch.  We want to protect all animals under our charge as well as the land & our neighbors.  We do not take this responsibility lightly.
Evaluation Phase	Once it's deemed that an individual animal is healthy and behaviorally fit to begin the process of herd integration, they will be moved into the Separation Paddock Area or be assigned to a to an approved volunteer experienced Camelid Handler.  There is no time constraint on when an animal may leave this Phase.  The decision is solely at management discretion. The animal will be observed and evaluated.  Animals are individually evaluated to determine suitability for placement (adoption) or integration into the Liberation Herd.	We are committed to re-home all animals that we deem to be good pets, companions, or guards.  With that being said, we do not re-home animals that are aged, have special needs, behavioral issues or cases of severe neglect. Again, we do not take this responsibility lightly.
Adoption	It is most desirable to find good, loving homes for animals that arrive on our Ranch. Not everyone wants to be a breeder or fiber person.  Some folk just want the companionship of these incredible creatures. HespeGarden has a strict NON-BREEDING policy.  All males are gelded.  Any intentional or unintentional breeding of a HespeGarden female will be viewed as a breach of contract and will result in HespeGarden reclaiming  said animal AND any offspring. We list all our suitable pets, companions,or guards on Petfinder.com	Once an animal is placed in a suitable home, HespeGarden will visit once a year (in early spring) shear & clip toe nails and make sure necessary shots are being administered.  This is a Mandatory Annual Visit to ensure animals welfare is being maintained.  Absolutely No Exceptions will be made.
Operation Liberation Herd	Animals that comprise this unique herd must earn their keep but providing pellets (manure) to supply our naturally produced soil enhancers.  Our original herd of llamas & alpacas also make up this group.	A healthy animal produces incredibly nutrient rich pellets which ensures our ability to offset operating overhead and fund rescue/relinquishment operations.

Check out some of these incredible ladies & gents that make up our Operation Liberation Herd!