Bahya sanctuary is home to Abu Dhabi’s rescued animals - in pictures

• 

• 

  The dogs at the Bahya sancutary come in different sizes and colors and are available for adoption. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  Many of the animals at the Bahya sancutary find comfort in their surroundings as they relax and soak up the sun. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  This 18 year-old pony was rescued from abuse and now lives at leisure at the Bahya sancutary farm in Bahya. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  In addition to the expected cats and dogs, the Bahya sancutary farm also houses donkeys and a couple of ponies. The sanutary offers a refuge for various animals that have been abandoned, wounded or otherwise left for dead. The sanctuary is a non-profit farm. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  Wide open spaces offer animals at the Bahya sancutary in Bahya plenty of room to run in the wild or chew on grass and other greens. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  Cats at the Bahya sancutary in Bahya are in a fenced off area where only the cats are allowed to freely roam. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  These donkeys at the Bahya sancutary were found wondering and were rescued. They now have a safe haven and home at the sanctuary farm with Stephanie Damm. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  Stephanie Damm looks after the animals at the Bahya sancutary in Bahya, a non-profit farm for rescued animals. Delores Johnson / The National

• 

  A look at the Bahya sancutary farm through an opening at the gate in Bahya. The farm offers a safe haven for various animals that have been abandoned, wounded or otherwise left for dead. The sanctuary is a non-profit farm. Delores Johnson / The National

Three years ago, Bahya Sanctuary was just a regular farm with a few plants and palm trees. Now it has several animal enclosures and hosts more than 70 cats, about 10 dogs, five donkeys, two ponies and three desert hedgehogs.

The environment is animal-friendly with wide-open areas allowing the animals to roam free.

The idea came from Gogem Artug, from Turkey, who, after rescuing several animals from a construction site near Emirates Palace, was able to convince her brother-in-law, an Emirati, to use his farm as a home.

The sanctuary has a team of volunteers who work to create a better place for the rescued animals.

Their motto is “Until all Allah’s creations are loved and respected”.

The sanctuary is open the second Saturday of each month. Visitors usually come to escape the city and enjoy the atmosphere at the farm. Families can enjoy the animals and teach their children how to interact with them.

The sanctuary is largely supported by donations.