From Tokyo to New Zealand: An Unexpected Discovery

While visiting his home in New Zealand, Brendan Smale took a morning walk that would change his life forever. Far from his corporate job in Tokyo, Brendan spotted something white in the distance on a hillside. His curiosity led him to a tiny white lamb, completely alone with no mother in sight.

Meet Beans: The Lamb with Wings

The lamb appeared to be newly born and had either been rejected by his mother or somehow separated from the flock. Without help, this little lamb faced slim chances of survival. Brendan stepped in and named the fragile creature Beans.

As Beans grew, Brendan noticed something remarkable - the lamb had a personality similar to a Labrador retriever. This reminded Brendan of the dogs he had grown up with. Even more special, Beans developed a unique wool pattern on his back that resembled wings.

From Corporate Life to Sanctuary Founder

The connection with Beans proved so powerful that it inspired Brendan to make a dramatic life change. He decided to leave his corporate career behind and dedicate himself to rescuing more lambs in need.

Brendan established the Saint Beans Animal Sanctuary, named after the winged pattern on Beans' back and in honor of him being the first rescue. At the sanctuary, Beans serves as the official "lambassador" - the face and heart of the operation.

Growing the Flock

Since founding the sanctuary, Brendan has rescued and raised 12 lambs. Each one was either rejected by their mother or had nowhere else to go. The sanctuary provides these vulnerable animals with the care and love they need to thrive.

Looking Toward the Future

Currently, the Saint Beans Animal Sanctuary faces a challenge. The land where Brendan has been operating has been put up for sale, meaning the sanctuary needs to find a new home.

Brendan remains hopeful about the future. His dream is to secure an even larger space that would allow him to expand his rescue efforts and help as many lambs as possible.

What started as a chance encounter on a hillside has blossomed into a full-time mission of compassion. One small lamb named Beans didn't just find a rescuer that day - he found someone whose life he would completely transform.