Our Story
Hakuna Matata Animal Trust became an officially recognised charity in May 2023.
However, our journey began much earlier.
The Trust had been operating since October 2021, with our mission of rescuing animals starting with our very first official rescue — Mustard (the pig).
Since then, we have rescued, re-homed, and fostered 89 animals.
We have also played a role in several large-scale rescue missions, working alongside other sanctuaries, independent animal carers, and animal rights activists.
Through these collaborative efforts, we have helped contribute to the rescue of approximately 368 animals.
Long before the charity was established, our founder, Hayley, had always been involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for animals from a young age.
After the heartbreaking loss of her two beloved pet pigs, she made the decision to turn that passion into action.
Determined to make a difference, she founded Hakuna Matata Animal Trust.
As our presence grew online, so too did the number of pleas for help from owners and rescuers seeking safe homes for animals in desperate need of rehoming or sanctuary.
Over time, we have provided care to animals of all shapes and sizes — including pigs, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and both domestic and feral cats.
We are incredibly proud of how far we have come, but we are still a young charity.
Despite having a strong and supportive online community, we often find ourselves personally covering animal care costs, which can be extremely challenging in the current climate.
With the continued dedication of our trustees, volunteers, and supporters, we are hopeful that we will move beyond these difficult times, allowing us to grow, strengthen our impact, and rescue even more lives in the years to come.
If you would like to support our work, please visit our Donate, Volunteer, or Get Involved pages to learn how you can help make a difference.
An Afterword From The Charity Founder,
Hi, I'm Hayley — a small business owner, mum of two, and lifelong animal lover.
Growing up surrounded by animals and seeing them treated as cherished members of the family shaped the deep respect I have for all living beings.
By the age of seven, I was already volunteering at local sanctuaries, and from that point on, I knew my dream was to one day create a sanctuary of my own — a safe place where animals in need could be loved, protected, and given a forever home.
Hakuna Matata Animal Trust was born from both love and loss.
After caring for two beloved pet pigs who sadly developed severe health problems as a result of breeding, their passing became the catalyst that finally pushed me to turn my dream into reality.
I was determined to help other pigs — and animals — who might otherwise face neglect, destruction, or slaughter.
Although we only officially became a registered charity in early 2023, we have already provided safe haven to 5 pigs, 30 sheep, 6 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, 8 feral cats, and a cockerel.
Every animal who comes to us is given the care, safety, and compassion they deserve.
With the support of our incredible volunteers and generous donations, we hope to expand in the future and welcome many more animals in need in the years to come.