By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

The Haven at Skanda is now offering businesses and organizations the opportunity to invite farm animals to make appearances on live video meetings.

Located at 4000 Mosley Rd. in Cazenovia, Skanda is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for rescued and endangered farm animals, and to offering educational, supportive and preventative programs to the public.

“We at Skanda have been aware of how stressed people are with being cooped up at home, trying to work while also teaching/taking care of kids, and how the Zoom calls can seem awkward,” said Ellen Beckerman, Skanda’s executive director. “We have been exploring different ways to give people access to [our] animals, because they are living every moment in joy and relaxation, and spending time with them is incredibly supportive, even virtually . . . Watching the animals usually [involves] some funny moments, and it’s always unpredictable, so it livens up a Zoom meeting and gives the group something beautiful and adorable to bond over — a shared experience beyond just the meeting.”

Long-time Skanda supporter Deborah DeBare recommended the ‘Zoom-topia’ idea to Beckerman after participating in a videoconference with animals from another sanctuary.

DeBare is the Capacity Technical Assistance Senior Deputy Director at the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

“Having toured Skanda extensively and made major donations in support of our children’s programs, Deb was in a great position to know if this type of thing would work at Skanda,” Beckerman said. “Her recommendation was all we needed to get Zoom-topia underway.”

According to Beckerman, the initiative not only lift spirits, but it also helps to generate funds in the face of lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skanda is offering the following Zoom-topia options:

Virtual farm tour: spend 30 minutes meeting the animals and hearing some of their rescue and recovery stories. $500 donation.

10 minute appearance: schedule a family of animals to visit during the first 10 minutes of a meeting. $100 donation.

5 minute appearance: schedule one specific animal, like Coco the goat, to attend the first 5 minutes of a meeting. $50 donation.

Skanda is also willing to work with organizations to create individualized options designed for specific needs and budgets.

All donations go directly towards food, bedding, and veterinary care for Skanda’s animals.

To schedule a meeting, call 315-815-5056 or email [email protected].

For more information on the The Haven at Skanda, visit thehavenatskanda.org.