In the countryside near Istanbul, a special farm offers a home for abandoned or hurt animals.
This is where Destan, a blind mare, found a new home.
Saving Destan
Max, a caring person, took in Destan when she was abandoned in the mountains of eastern Turkey.
“She was born blind. She was useless for them,” Max explained. The villagers didn’t want to keep Destan because they couldn’t see her value.
They kept her mother to work, but the blind foal had no one—until Max came to her rescue.
Rescuing Mother and Daughter
Max, who lost his own mother at a young age, understood the pain of growing up without a maternal presence.
“I know how it feels for a young person to live without a mother,” he explains.
With a big heart, Max not only saved Destan but also bought her mother, Sir, so they could stay together.
The sanctuary is now keeping their bond alive.
Adapting to a New Home
Destan’s move was challenging, but she soon regained her strength during her stay at the sanctuary.
She still seeks her mother’s comfort like a foal does, but Destan has also started exploring her new world with confidence.
Beyond Sight
Max had hoped that the vets in Istanbul could restore Destan’s sight, but they said it was impossible.
Despite her blindness, Destan learned to identify her surroundings using her other senses.
“Although she’s blind, she knows every corner of the garden,” Max shared.
Destan can also tell people and dogs by the way they sound and smell. She moves around confidently, even without her sight.
Growing in a Loving Environment
“They have the freedom to do what they want, when they want, as they want,” Max said.
At Max’s farm, Destan and Sir are free, along with other rescued animals like dogs, cats, donkeys, and even seagulls that can’t fly.
It is a place where Destan can play and enjoy life.
In the Right Place
“In the sanctuary, she has found more than just safety—she has found a place where she is understood, cared for, and, most importantly, loved.
Every day, she wanders around the farm, showing she doesn’t need to see to enjoy life.
Destan’s story shows how kindness can change lives and that every creature deserves respect and a life free from harm.
