Ant and Dec animal sanctuary has become a beacon of hope in the UK countryside. What many assumed was just a quiet countryside retreat for the beloved Geordie duo turned out to be something far more meaningful — a rescue haven for disabled farm animals. From pigs fitted with prosthetic legs to blind goats finding their way, Ant and Dec’s dedication is changing lives.
In the lush hills of Northumberland, where the scent of wild heather mingles with a sense of history, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are more than TV personalities—they’re community heroes. At 49, the pair remains deeply connected to their working-class roots in Newcastle. When rumors surfaced in early 2025 about them purchasing a sprawling 50-acre estate, fans imagined luxury getaways or exclusive retreats. Instead, they had quietly transformed the land into “Geordie Hooves,” the first-ever sanctuary in the UK devoted entirely to disabled farm animals.
Ant and Dec Animal Sanctuary: A New Beginning for Farm Animals
The inspiration struck during a filming break for Saturday Night Takeaway when the duo visited a nearby farm. They encountered Mabel, a three-legged pig who had been spared slaughter but struggled to move, and Rosie, a blind goat relying solely on sound to navigate. The farmer shared how many disabled animals faced euthanasia because local sanctuaries lacked resources. The story hit Ant and Dec hard. Childhood memories of summers spent on family farms reminded them that every animal deserved care and dignity. “These creatures deserve a chance,” Ant said. Dec agreed, “We have to do something.”
Ant and Dec Animal Sanctuary: Without fanfare, they invested £1.8 million to buy the Northumberland land and began turning it into a sanctuary equipped with accessible barns, gentle pastures, and specialized gear. They funded prosthetics for pigs like Mabel, built sensory pathways for animals like Rosie, and created heated shelters for vulnerable sheep. With vets and welfare experts, they hired a small team, including Ellie, a former farmer known for her remarkable animal rehabilitation skills. Through their foundation, “Ant & Dec’s Community Fund,” they allocated £500,000 to cover initial expenses, ensuring every animal received medical attention, nutritious food, and affection.
Ant and Dec Animal Sanctuary’s Viral Rescue Moment
Ant and Dec Animal Sanctuary: The sanctuary’s first rescue in May 2025 was livestreamed on their foundation’s YouTube channel, aiming to raise awareness. Instead of a modest turnout, 2.3 million viewers tuned in to see Ant and Dec, boots muddy and spirits high, gently coaxing Daisy, a one-eyed cow, out of a cramped shed. Deemed “useless” after losing an eye to infection, Daisy was fragile and scared. As Ant knelt beside her whispering, “You’re safe now, lass,” and Dec helped her onto a padded trailer, viewers flooded the chat with heart emojis. The touching moment when Daisy nuzzled Dec’s shoulder brought many to tears. Dec said, “This one’s for every animal left behind.”
Donations soared to £200,000 within hours, and the livestream’s reach spanned continents, inspiring countless people. Reporters expecting a celebrity stunt were surprised by the scale and sincerity of the project. At a Britain’s Got Talent press event, Ant brushed off the praise, “It’s all about the animals.” Dec added, “Daisy’s braver than us. We’re just here to help.”
By autumn 2025, Geordie Hooves was home to 40 animals — pigs with prosthetics leading their herd, goats guided by bells, and sheep resting warmly inside barns. The sanctuary became a community pillar, with school visits teaching kindness and volunteers eager to pitch in. Ant and Dec’s foundation secured further funding and kept showing up, always humbled and joyful.
The impact rippled across the UK, inspiring other sanctuaries and farmers to adopt similar models. Vet schools offered free care, and the YouTube channel grew into a beloved platform for animal rescue stories. At their next live taping, the duo proudly wore pins shaped like tiny hoofprints, symbolizing the sanctuary’s lasting legacy. And somewhere in Northumberland, Daisy grazes peacefully—a living testament to what compassion and dedication can achieve.
