Redwings Horse Sanctuary has paid tribute to one of its most beloved residents, Baby Face Nelson, who has sadly passed away following a serious bout of colic, aged 15.
The Adoption Star and member of ‘The Gangsters’ was a miniature Shetland who lived at Redwings Caldecott. ‘The Gangsters’ included Baby Face and five other ponies who first came to Redwings in 2011 after their owner passed away. With no one able to care for them, they were brought to the sanctuary to ensure they had a safe and happy future.
Baby Face enjoyed over a decade of loving care at the sanctuary alongside his companions and will be sorely missed.
“Everyone here adored this little chap,” a charity spokesperson said. “He had such a big personality for such a small pony and we’re truly devastated by his loss and we know our supporters will be too. Thank you so much to everyone who adopted and loved Baby Face – you helped us give him a wonderful life at Redwings.”
Baby Face had always been the smallest member of the group and had experienced bouts of colic over the years. When he began showing signs of colic last month, he was brought to the Horse Hospital at Redwings HQ for intensive care, alongside his best friend Reggie.
Despite receiving round-the-clock treatment – including IV fluids, pain relief and tubing – Baby Face didn’t recover as quickly as staff hoped. He underwent surgery two days later, which initially went well, but the vet team reported that the colic was very severe and so they were not sure how he would recover.
By the following morning, Baby Face’s condition had deteriorated and when he didn’t respond to further treatment, the vet team made the difficult decision to put him to sleep to prevent any more suffering.
Baby Face’s passing left Reggie on his own at Caldecott, so Reggie has since permanently moved him back to Aylsham to be reunited with the rest of the Gangsters group, where he has settled well.
Those who would like to make a donation to Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Baby Face’s memory can do so here.
