KECHARA

72 PEOPLE • PEOPLE INSPIRE PEOPLE
Perhaps all this makes sense
as Tsem Rinpoche has been
leading by example when in 2008
he bought Drolkar, an abused
sulphur-crested cockatoo from
a pet shop. Rinpoche made a
promise to the abandoned bird to
build a good home for it. Starting
with a makeshift aviary in the
front yard of his house, the first
proper aviary was built in 2009
and was home to Drolkar, her
new friend Dechog, and a group
of inquisitive sun conures. In
2013, the aviary in Kechara Forest
Retreat was completed and
became the permanent home
of many unwanted creatures
ranging from African Greys to
Lovebirds and even tortoises.
“When I buy birds, or any other
animal, I do not see them as
pets, they are not for my pleasure
or entertainment. Instead I try
to give them the best food,
environment and care that I can
provide. I plant seeds in their
mindstream by reciting mantras
and blowing on them. That is the
best I can do for them while they
are in the animal realm.”
~ Tsem Rinpoche
“Birds are very intelligent
and when abused, they are
traumatised just like humans and
other animals. When the birds are
put under my care, I have to learn
about them. It is a whole new
world for me but I am grateful to
Rinpoche for believing in me, as
well as Li Kheng and KB and for
giving us the opportunity to do
some good deeds,” shared Jace.
As Jace was familiarising herself
with the birds, she was also
searching for solutions for Lucky.
She finally found a way to help
the little canine walk again
through Paws Rehab, a company
that makes wheelchairs for dogs.
At a cost of just RM200.00, a
customised wheelchair was
made for Lucky, which would
be strapped onto its body.
Supported by two back wheels,
Lucky was seen running around
the car porch stopping once in a
while to play with Jace. Although
the wheelchair can only be
attached for about two hours a
day, it was enough to put a smile
on both their faces.
While speaking with Jace, I could
tell that her care for the animals
is genuine and like Rinpoche,
these rescued creatures are not
a source of entertainment. She
just wants to provide for them
and to nurture them diligently.
Her aspiration to materialise
Kechara Animal Sanctuary, a
massive plot of land for the
animals to live happily together
is commendable. A daunting task
but Jace is already taking the first
step and possibly heading in the
right direction.
Want to support Jace and
her team with their animal friends?
Not everyone has the ability to save our fellow earthlings the way
Rinpoche does. However, that should not hinder us from taking
baby steps in making a difference for these animals. Support our
cause by contributing RM2.00 to feed a hungry bird.
Your support will create a food fund that will be used
to purchase:
Millet @ RM80.00/pack of 20kg
Seeds (sunflower, assorted nuts) @ RM250.00/pack
Fresh fruits and vegetables @ approximately RM600.00/month
Visit any of our campaign partners (retreat.kechara.com/aviary) to
make your contribution at their cash counter or contribute via our
online platform at www.kechara.com/donations