VEGAN HERO EARTHLING ED OPENS ANIMAL SANCTUARY

By: Shriya Swaminathan

What can be more heartwarming than seeing animals enjoy their natural lives, free from human-inflicted suffering? Perhaps it’s connecting with an animal rescued from unimaginable harm, looking into their trusting eyes that overflow with forgiveness and compassion. One of the most exploitative industries is undeniably factory farming, where animals are bred for the sole purpose of human consumption and profits. Most of society remains blissfully oblivious to the horrors of factory farming, but the few who lift the veil of ignorance are determined to confront their actions and align them with their morals. They are reconnected with their inherent compassion, wish not to inflict harm on other living beings, and are determined to ensure that their lifestyle choices reflect these ideals. 

Thought-provoking, powerful campaigns by Surge

This connection is exactly what Animal Rights activist Ed Winters (aka Earthling Ed) is on a mission to achieve with his longtime passion project- Surge Sanctuary. In 2016, Ed founded his grassroots animal rights organization Surge with the vision for a world in which “all animals are free from human-inflicted oppression and violence; therefore, a vegan world.” To pursue creating this world, he opened a non-profit vegan restaurant in London called Unity Diner in 2018 to showcase the power of plants and encourage the public to rethink their perceptions of vegan food. Ed was also motivated to use the funds from Unity Diner to create a safe haven for animals that have never known human kindness. This admirable dream is finally a reality and a vast 18 acre property is all set to become a happy home to many rescued animals! Some of the dedicated members of the Surge team have also relocated their homes to live near and care for the animals.

Delicacies from Unity Diner

Some exciting plans for the property include converting a large empty container to a mushroom container, land allocated for veganic farming, a wildflower meadow, and rewilding space to reintroduce lost biodiversity in the area. Ed also envisions a beautiful pond for the aquatic life and insects to thrive, and a quaint duck house. He also plans to convert a former horse riding arena to an education center where visitors have the opportunity to connect with animals, learn about the industry practices that they are rescued from, and instill a sense of purpose in them to be proactive and stop engaging in activities that require these sentient beings to be exploited. There is also enough room for building accommodations for visitors, sanctuary workers, and volunteers, which adds to the sense of community and oneness the Surge team intends to create. The staff are currently seeking assistance with construction so that they can bring these brilliant ideas to fruition and rescue even more animals!

Ed views this sanctuary as a gesture of making amends and giving back to the animals who have time and again been exploited for trivial human pleasures. Till a vegan world becomes our reality, these sanctuaries provide much hope for the progress towards animal liberation. Current Surge Sanctuary residents include Eric the sheep, who was rescued from slaughter, pig brothers Pete and Gus, who were bred for a specific expensive sausage, turkeys- Harold and Fredrick, saved from becoming Christmas dinner, and the beautiful layer hens Camila and Chloe. We are so grateful that they will live out their lives in peace and harmony, knowing that they are always loved and will never be hurt again.
Image sources: Surge Instagram, Unity Diner Instagram