14 | Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2025 AIM-May25065 Pig/Animal Rescue Sanctuary of the Year 2025 – South East England urly Tails was founded in March 2016, though its story began more than 15 years ago with Founder Jane Scott’s personal connection with her pet pigs. Driven by her own porcine passion, knowledge, and bonds, Jane registered Curly Tails to rescue unwanted pet pigs and provide them with a safe and loving home. Since its establishment, the charity has dedicated almost a decade to its mission of rescuing pigs that have been mistreated, neglected, abandoned, are not as ‘micro’ as their owners initially believed, and those who have lost their home due to ill-health or financial struggles. Today, Curly Tails stands as a pillar of its local community and a hub for nature, education, and wellbeing to combine on six acres of stunningly tranquil land in the very heart of Buckinghamshire. The organisation has grown alongside its status as a respected pig rescue sanctuary to also stand as a learning, education, and wellbeing centre, with links to national and local animal rescue organisations as well as links with education, learning, and additional needs centres. At its core, Curly Tails serves as a rescue sanctuary for its porcine residents and maintains a strong mission and ethos throughout its evolution. The rescue has transformed the lives of countless pigs over the course of its operations, taking the animals in to rehabilitate them socially, emotionally, and physically. When possible, the pigs are rehomed to well-equipped homes but if this is not an option, the pigs will remain with Curly Tails for the rest of their natural lives in a safe, calm, and loving environment. The wellbeing centre is a more recent addition to Curly Tails, offering guests porcine and animal assisted therapy. Working alongside its animal welfare and rescue programme, the Curly Tails wellbeing centre delivers engaging experiences that foster social and educational development for humans and pigs alike. Forming trusting bonds with the pigs and working to improve their social behaviour are important steps to easing their integration into the sanctuary and, by incorporating visits and tours into its operations, the animals’ confidence and wellbeing also grow. Curly Tails welcomes a variety of guests into its sanctuary and wellbeing centre, including schools, the scout and guide movement, children and adults with additional needs, the elderly and respite visits, private tours and visits, unique parties, and one-to-one sessions for people with autism, anxiety, and other needs. Providing a wealth of education and advice, the organisation also works with work experience students, graduates, farm college students, DofE placements, and larger volunteer groups. Each visit to Curly Tails’ sanctuary and wellbeing centre is a journey of education, affection, and empowerment, as reflected in the sheer volume of glowing testimonials left from happy, inspired guests. One guest wrote: “I’ve visited Curly Tails several times over the last two to three years and always have a great time, as both a guest and volunteer. The work that Jane and her team do is amazing; to give these animals a new lease on life and a place to feel loved, cared for, and appreciated. Each of the pigs has its own personality. They’re wonderful and often misunderstood animals, but you can really get to know them and, best of all, they remember you! I will continue visiting and supporting this great cause and applaud all of the volunteers and donors involved.” While another reported: “Curly Tails was absolutely amazing. My daughter had visited a few times with her school and had wanted to take me there too. Yesterday we went, together with my wife and older daughter, and we all loved it! The members of staff were absolutely brilliant; they were all so friendly and knowledgeable, making our visit all the more enjoyable. Jane and her team at Curly Tails have created something truly special; I’d recommend anyone with a love for animals to make a visit!” Contact: Jane Scott Company: Curly Tails Web Address: www.curlytails.org Pigs are remarkably sociable, intelligent, and gentle animals, deeply attuned to the emotions and mental states of those around them. In recent years, their popularity as pets has soared, as families across the country embrace the dream of owning their own cute, little pig. However, many new owners are uninformed of the true size and care needs of these animals as they mature, resulting in a growing number of pigs in need of rehoming each year. Today, we shine a light on the outstanding work of Curly Tails, a devoted pig rescue sanctuary that has been named in the Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2025. C
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