Travel Archives | Vegan Universal

10 Famous Farm Animal Sanctuaries in USA to Visit

December 5, 2019 By Cat Robinson and Dishan Mendis 2 Comments

The disconnect between the animal products people see packaged in supermarkets and the living creatures those products originated from is an unfortunate prevalence.

Few may give a moment’s thought to the chicken that laid those eggs, the cow that produced milk or the horrific conditions they lived under.

This is why farm animal sanctuaries can be so important and can play a pivotal role enabling us to make that all-important connection into the world of farm animals.

By giving visitors the chance to interact with farm animals, they help us see them for who they are – living, breathing creatures in their own right which can help in changing attitudes, rather than seeing them as a product to be consumed.

The animals you’ll encounter at the below sanctuaries are truly fortunate – creatures who’ve been rescued from slaughterhouses, torment, neglect, and abandonment.

Whether you’re visiting these sanctuaries as a couple, family with kids or with your friends (can be life-changing for non-vegans), it would be a wonderful experience to get up-close to see how amazing & sentient these animals are to realize how much they deserve life & freedom as much as we do.

What Made Us Select These Popular Farm Animal Sanctuaries?

Aside from actively advocating a vegan diet and helping people transition to a more ethical, and compassionate way of life, many of the rescue centers and sanctuaries listed here are accredited with 3rd parties, have an excellent reputation with many positive reviews online. They’re located across several states in the USA and run meaningful educational programs.

While we’ve made every effort to give up to date information, please check the relevant sanctuary’s website (links given) before you visit to avoid disappointment. Sanctuaries may have health & safety standards, details about food & beverages, clothing & footwear requirements, specific payment methods (cash only payments) and other dos & don’ts, to safeguard you, the animals and the sanctuary which can be found in the FAQ/tours section.

Read on to see how each sanctuary can have its own personality with their animal residents, sanctuary staff, the environment & landscape providing you with a unique experience full of compassion, warmth, friendship, knowledge, and fulfillment!

1) Farm Sanctuary – New York & California:

Founded in 1986, Farm Sanctuary is one of the largest farm animal sanctuaries in the US and has provided a safe haven for thousands of rescued farm animals. Their shelters in New York and LA offer tours, shelter events, overnight accommodation, group/school educational programs, and vegan restaurants (or bring your own vegan food for a nice picnic!).

They are also highly active in promoting large-scale institutional reforms through their advocacy efforts. You can support their amazing work by visiting the shelters, having a sponsorship, handing out flyers in your neighborhood, or becoming an intern or volunteer.

Quick info:

Farm Sanctuary is home to rescued calves & cows, sheep & lambs, goats, pigs, turkeys, and chickens
Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization
Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
275-acre sanctuary in upstate New York and 26-acre sanctuary in Southern California
New York shelter open to the public between May and October, California sanctuary is open year-round with tours starting at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm
Website: www.farmsanctuary.org
Directions:
- Watkins Glen, New York | Location: Google maps (photos included)
- Los Angeles, California | Location: Google maps (photos included)

2) Catskill Animal Sanctuary – New York

More than 5,000 animals have found refuge at Catskill Animal Sanctuary since their first rescue in 2001 – a pony named Dino who survived a terrible barn fire. As donations have come in, the facility has expanded to cover 150 acres while being accredited to become one of the best animal sanctuaries in the US and offer several educational programs, including Compassionate Cuisine, Camp Kindness, and the New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program.

Support them by becoming a member, sponsoring an animal, volunteering your time, (learning valuable skills along the way!) making a donation, or booking a stay at their beautiful guesthouse.

Quick info:

Home to 300 farm animals representing 11 different species
501c3 charitable organization
Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and BBB
150 acres
Open to the general public on weekends from April through November, and year-round for members, guests staying at The Homestead, and groups of 10 or more.
Website: https://casanctuary.org
Location: 316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties, NY | Google maps (photos included)

3) Woodstock Farm Sanctuary – New York

Starting from nothing but an unfenced hayfield, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary now boasts two large barns, five spacious chicken coops, a duck and goose shed & pond, two cattle sheds, and even a small animal hospital. They provide love, care, and shelter for 400 animals, and help to re-home another 150 each year.

They help educate visitors on the impact of animal agriculture on the animals, our health and the planet and how to adopt a vegan lifestyle. They are always looking for volunteers to help clean barns, work in the office, or hand out literature. Besides visiting, you can make a donation, sponsor them through Amazon Smile, stay at the charming Gray Barn, become a member, intern, or Pasture Partner.

Quick Info:

Home to chickens, cows, rabbits, ducks, sheep, pigs, goats, turkeys and more!
150 acres
Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
501(c)(3) charity organization
Open to the public between April through October over weekends, available year-round to volunteers and Gray Barn guests
Website: http://woodstocksanctuary.org
Location: 2 Rescue Road, High Falls, NY | Google maps (photos included)

4) Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary – Maryland

Founded in 1996, and situated in an idyllic 400-acre large natural setting overlooking the Potomac River, Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary is home to both rescued farm animals and some free-ranging wild inhabitants!

Group tours are offered every morning except Wednesdays, but please make a reservation beforehand. Individuals and families can usually be incorporated into weekend tours by prior arrangement. Tours last about an hour and will include the chance to meet and feed the animals, learn their names and hear their stories, and pet, play with and hold some of the smaller residents!

Because the sanctuary is run entirely on donations from the public, financial support is always welcome. You can donate, sponsor an animal, or consider contributing items from their wish list, and make sure to buy a souvenir from the gift shop during your visit.

Quick info:

Home to more than 200 rescued animals including horses, mules, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and turkeys
Non-profit refuge
400 acres
Tours and visits by appointment
Website: http://www.animalsanctuary.org
Location: 15200 Mount Nebo Rd M, Poolesville, MD | Google maps (photos included)

5) Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary – Norton, Massachusetts

Open to the public since 1997, Winslow Farm is home to a diverse range of animals with its unique setting (including kid’s playgrounds), making it one of the top-most visited animal sanctuaries.

It has farm animals and some other residents you wouldn’t usually associate with farm sanctuaries such as rescued alpacas, llamas, and even some emus! If you ever wonder how non-farm animals took residence at this place you can read their stories here.

Educational events and tours are a specialty, and the sanctuary is always in need of volunteers and donations. You can support them by volunteering your time to help care for the animals, by shopping through Amazon Smile or donating items from their wish list.

Every animal here has a name and a story to tell and if you’re looking for a sanctuary with farm animals and many other wild animals then this would be an ideal place to visit!

Quick info:

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is home to almost 200 rescued farm and domestic animals, including chickens, ducks, geese, goats, pigs, sheep, horses, peacocks, peahens, emus, pigeons, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, dogs, cats, doves, rabbits, tortoises.
Open to the public, please email to find out about volunteer opportunities and tours
Website: www.winslowfarm.com
Location: 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA | Google maps (photos included)

6) Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge (The Refuge) – Pittsboro, North Carolina

Founded in 2012, Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge is a growing sanctuary for rescued farm animals, with a special interest in promoting a vegan lifestyle. They even offer a ‘veganize your recipe’ service on their website!

They offer guided sanctuary tours, and several educational programs including cooking classes, food samplings, and bake sales.

There are a number of ways to support their work, and help them accomplish their goal of expanding the sanctuary to house rescued pigs and cows.

Quick info:

Home to chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, goats, and sheep
20 acres
Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Guided tours lasting about an hour and a half offered every Monday and Wednesday at 11 am, Saturday at 3 pm, and on some Sundays. Please book via their website.
Website: http://piedmontrefuge.org
Location: 7236 NC Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro, NC | Google maps (photos included)

7) The Gentle Barn – California / Tennessee / Missouri

From just a half-acre property in 1999, the Gentle Barn has since grown to cover three locations in Missouri, Tennessee, and California, and saved thousands of animals over the years. For founder Ellie Laks, it’s been her dream since she was 7 years old!

Aside from their amazing work with animals, the Gentle Barn also runs incredible programs for At-Risk Youth. By bringing children and animals together who have suffered abuse and neglect, this has provided an environment to form instant and often life-changing connections.

You can support them by donating, sponsoring an animal, becoming a member, or purchasing through Amazon Smile. They are always in need of volunteers, especially on Sundays.

Quick info:

Sanctuary to 170 chickens, turkeys, emus, and domestic birds, goats, sheep, cows, horses, llamas, donkeys, pigs, and dogs.
501(c)(3) charity organization
Each location is opened once a week to the public, and every day for private tours by prior arrangement. School trips, birthday parties, and special needs groups are also welcomed.
Website: www.gentlebarn.org
Locations
- Los Angeles, California / Google maps (photos included)
- Nashville, Tennessee / Google maps (photos included)
- St Louis, Missouri / Google maps (photos included)

8) Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary – Gilbert, Arizona

Founder Aimee Takaha created her sanctuary as a place where victims of trauma, animal, and human, could come together to help each other. They frequently work with accident survivors, autistic children and the elderly.

One of their primary focuses is on matching animals with individuals who are able to adopt them and give them a permanent home.

You can support them by making donations to help cover the costs of food and shelter, veterinary care, surgeries, and equipment.

Quick Info:

Home to rescued and abandoned horses, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, goats, cows, ducks, sheep and more
Adoption-focused, aiming to find forever homes for their farm animals
Visits available over the weekend by appointment
Website: http://www.aimeesfarmanimalsanctuary.com/
Location: Google maps (photos included)

9) Kindred Spirits Sanctuary – Citra, Florida

With 170 permanent residents, (including Owen the blind cow, ‘Piggie Smalls’ and Butterscotch the wheelchair goat!) Kindred Spirits is on a mission to end the suffering of farm animals through rescue, advocacy, and education.

Attending a ‘work party’ is a great way to meet the animals and learn some valuable skills, and includes a nice free vegan lunch in return for your hard work!

The center also runs a monthly vegan potluck event. You can also support by making a donation on their website through Paypal.

Quick info:

Kindred Spirits is home to rescued goats, cows, pigs, chickens, donkeys, horses, sheep and turkeys
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
74 acres
Free public tours available every 3rd Wednesday of the month, Saturday tours and special events listed on their website
Website: http://www.kssfl.org
Location: 1411 E. Hwy 329, Citra, FL 32113 | Google maps (photos included)

10) Indraloka Animal Sanctuary – Mehoopany, Pennsylvania

With more than 300 animals in their care, Indraloka is in the exciting stages of moving to a larger property over three times the size of their current one.

That’s great news for the pigs, goats, sheep, cows, birds, cats, and many other creatures that depend on them – but it also means a substantial requirement for funds!

Support their efforts by making a donation or sponsoring an animal, or via Amazon Smile, ResQWalk app or eBay Charity.

You can sign up for a tour via their website to pay a visit, and also various volunteer and internship positions are available.

You can see a great selection of videos on their website to get a feel about the sanctuary and get to know the stories of the amazing animals they have.

Quick info:

All-species sanctuary, but with a primary focus on farm animals
501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization
Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Size: about to get a whole lot bigger!
2-hour tours available (sign up via the website)
Website: https://indraloka.org
Location: Mehoopany, Pennsylvania | Google maps (photos included)

All of the above sanctuaries do an amazing job of giving a voice, home, and a better life to creatures who cannot speak for themselves.

Having known one of the darkest sides of humanity, it’s quite difficult to imagine what it must be like for these innocent creatures to finally find themselves a safe, warm, and a loving environment.

Whether you intend in meeting and have a great time with these animals or to volunteer and offer support, we believe visiting some of the most popular farm animal sanctuaries we’ve mentioned here is a memorable experience not to be missed!

So pick your sanctuary, make an arrangement to visit and let us know your thoughts in the comments below about the whole experience you’ve had!

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Best & Most Visited National Parks in the World

July 1, 2019 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Looking for that moment where you would say “wow! I am speechless, what an amazing planet this is!”?

Discover the planet’s best national parks where you may wonder whether you’ve lived on another planet only to realize how much you’ve missed in your own home planet.

We call these the best national parks since some of them are the largest and most visited national parks (top travel destinations) with exceptional diversity in terms of beauty, landscape and ecosystems.

These parks can be your best getaways when you’re looking to add breathe to your life with fresh air and be immersed in beauty, and tranquility separating yourself from your usual and rather hectic routines.

They also provide a great opportunity to observe wildlife closely and broaden one’s knowledge on the behavior & sentience of our fellow species to appreciate them more, understand their rights to live on this planet as much as we do, while strengthening our bond with nature & wildlife in general.

Read on to get a feel of the most famous national parks before you actually get there!

New Zealand

1) Fiordland National Park

Breathtaking mountain peaks, pristine lakes with mirror reflections, enchanting ancient forests, and captivating wildlife. That’s a bit of Fiordland National Park for you!

The scenic pleasure you would experience in this national park would have taken millions of years shaped by glaciers to be what it is today and it’s built with deep valleys, volcanic rocks, snow-covered hills, and tall waterfalls.

One of the park’s mindblowing fiords and a top travel destination, the Milford Sound has been called ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by Rudyard Kipling.

Another aspect of Fiordland National Park is its unique experience visitors get which is quite different than many other world’s national parks.

The park may not have many large terrestrial animals, unlike in North America or Africa, but its variety of flora and fauna endemic to New Zealand and the vast collection of exotic birds more than makes up for this. It gives you some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the world!

Area: 12,607 km²
Annual visitors: 600,000 approx.
Landscape: fiords, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, coastal area
Major animal species: kiwi, red deer, kea, kaka, kakapo, takahe, northern chamois, seals, bush robin, crested penguins, kereru, dolphins, blue ducks, crested grebe, morepork (Tasmanian spotted owl), stoat
Major plant species: red mountain beech, silver beech, fern, Hall’s tōtara, rimu, miro alpine daisies, buttercups
Activities: cruising, kayaking, jet boat trips, rafting, multi-day hikes, cycling, scenic road trips, trip to glow-worm caves, scuba diving, flyovers, and photography tours
Location map: click here

South Africa

2) Kruger National Park

Synonymous with the word “safari”, Kruger National Park is the habitat for almost 150 mammals, more than 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, 33 amphibians, 50 fish species, 219 species of native butterflies, along with its vast savannah and diverse landscape.

Kruger is South Africa’s first national park, established in 1926 and is also its flagship national park.

The park being host to some of the largest animals (African elephants, rhinos, hippos, Cape buffalos, giraffes) that are abundant, it is well known to give one of the best African wildlife viewing experiences.

No surprise why it’s one of the largest and most popular national parks!

Area: 19,485 km²
Annual visitors: 1,800,000 approx.
Landscape: savannah, rivers, hills & mountains
Major animal species: elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, wildebeest. zebras, impala, wild dogs, bushbucks, Cape buffalos, elands, antelope, warthog, African rock pythons, birds
Major plant species: red bush-willow, acacia, marula, knob-thorn, leadwood, red grass, buffalo grass
Activities: guided wilderness trails, tours & safaris, 4×4 adventure trails, mountain bike trails, eco-trails camping, birdwatching, visit rock art sites
Location map: click here

USA

3) Yellowstone National Park

Being the first national park established in the United States, and possibly in the world, it is one of the most spectacular natural beauties found in North America.

It’s quite vast spreading over almost 9000 km² and parts of it extend to Montana and Idaho where the whole area is greater than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

A unique feature of the park is its geothermal activity and the famous cone geyser the “Old Faithful” erupts every 44 to 125 minutes approx. everyday shooting 14,000 – 32,000 liters of boiling water to a height of 106 to 185 feet.

There are also many other geysers you can observe scattered all over the place. Another sensational feature of the park is its natural hot springs that have formed some of the most beautiful & vivid colors due to various minerals in the water.

Other than the hot springs, it is also said that a large supervolcano that’s commonly referred to as the ‘Yellowstone Caldera’ is located in the park.

When all its natural features are combined the hot springs, the geysers, the rivers, the lakes, and the forests you will see a diverse ecosystem and a force of nature that no other national park has.

Area: 8,983 km²
Annual visitors: 4,115,000 approx.
Landscape: geysers, colorful hot springs, lakes, rivers, forests, petrified forests, grassland, mountains, calderas, waterfalls, canyons
Major animal species: timber wolf, coyote, Canadian lynx, grizzly bears, bison, black bear, elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and cougar
Major plant species: lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, rocky mountain douglas-fir, whitebark pine, quaking aspen, willows
Activities: watch geysers erupt and see giant colorful hot springs, watch wildlife, hiking, photography, cycling, camping, have a picnic, explore & gain scientific knowledge, boating, camping, and during winter: ski, and ride snowmobiles
Location map: click here

4) Grand Canyon National Park

Regarded as a “World Wonder” and a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO, President Teddy Roosevelt announced “one of the great sights every American should see” while standing on the South Rim in 1903.

It personifies the magnitude and splendor of the American West, represented in dramatic sights which include the colorful & layered rocks with great size & depth forged over 2 billion years, and dusty trails.

You may have seen the images of the canyon in print or in video, but nothing compares to the feeling of gazing over that great expanse with goosebumps taking it all in– your feeling of connection to the spirit of nature and our planet earth would be completely different from anywhere else.

Even though both rims can provide you with majestic views, the South Rim is known to provide many more breathtaking vistas.

All in all, the Grand Canyon is a unique testimony to our planet’s history and an icon of the American adventure, and we hope you will not miss this grand experience!

Area: 4,926.08 km²
Annual visitors: 6,380,495 approx.
Landscape: Grand Canyon, plateaus, pine forests, meadows, rivers
Major animal species: mountain lions, rattlesnakes, scorpions, black widow spider, bald eagle, California condor, coyotes, elk & mule deer, bats
Major plant species: coyote willow, arrowweed, California barrel, Utah agave, seep willow, catclaw acacia, blackbrush, banana yucca, creosote bush, pinyon pine, ponderosa pine Activities: participate in free ranger programs, visit museums and information centers, watch the park film at the visitor center, walk the trail of time, guided bicycle tours, climb the stone watchtower, hiking, driving tours, raft trips, flyovers
Location map: click here

Canada

5) Banff National Park

With turquoise lakes, stark mountains, abundant wildlife, colorful meadows, and breathtaking glaciers, no doubt, this is one of the most beautiful national parks!

All these fascinating & engaging sights provide one of the best nature experiences you can find in North America making it an adventurer’s dream come true and a photographer’s paradise. It’s an all in one package!

Banff National Park is the first in Canada to be designated as a national park in 1885 making it the oldest in Canada and with an area of 6,641 km² there is ample space for you to get away and relish nature in its raw state sighting bears and moose roaming within the park.

Area: 6,641 km²
Annual visitors: 4,180,000 approx.
Landscape: Canadian rocky mountains, canyons, glaciers, ice fields, dense forests, alpine landscapes, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, meadows
Major animal species: grizzly bears, black bears, cougar, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, wolves, coyote, lynx, wolverine, elk, mule, deers, red fox, weasel, river otter, beavers, snowshoe hare
Major plant species: pine, balsam, Douglas fir, white spruce, larch, aspens, Indian paintbrush, common harebell, shooting star, early blue violet, toadflax, Canada thistle, tansy
Activities: wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, camping, mountaineering, and alpine climbing, boat tour, canoeing, swimming, scuba diving, cycling, theatre programs, skiing, ice skating, visit the Banff park museum, professional & amateur photography, golf
Location map: click here

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