To celebrate, we asked some of our long-time members and volunteers to share their favorite memories and reflect on what Sanctuary means to them.

“I am proud to support Farm Sanctuary and their mission to free farm animals from suffering, abuse, and exploitation. I am inspired by the rescued animals’ stories-their will to live, their sentience, and their ability to forgive and love again. Every rescued resident I have met at FS has a unique personality. By providing people an opportunity to meet the rescued residents, Farm Sanctuary is changing how society views farm animals. I believe this can be a powerful catalyst for change. Every visit to Farm Sanctuary leaves me feeling hopeful for a future where all sentient beings are free from suffering. Thank you Farm Sanctuary!” —Eva

“We love to visit Farm Sanctuary with our dog. It is a safe place for all animals, not just the ones who people share their homes with. Farm animals are no different from cats and dogs—they form lifelong bonds with others, have unique personalities that make us smile and laugh, and they feel joy and happiness when treated with kindness and love—just like this guy looking out at the pig pasture in Watkins Glen. Thank you, Farm Sanctuary, for everything you do to make the world a better place for farm animals.” —Kristine and David

“We knew that we had to do something after learning how dairy farms operate, and the horrific suffering they cause animals. After looking into ways we could help create change, we decided to join Farm Sanctuary. We appreciate that Farm Sanctuary focuses not just on rescues, but also on advocacy and education—including through Farm Sanctuary’s humane education programs for young people. Driving change on this front is the single biggest way to reduce suffering for sentient beings. We believe this generation can bring about transformative changes.” —Kailash and Reena

“I always feel at peace visiting with the amazing residents that call Farm Sanctuary home. Being a supporter of this amazing organization is nourishment for the soul and a reminder that all living creatures deserve safety and affection. It is my responsibility to always advocate on behalf of animals and encourage people to open their eyes and hearts, the same way mine were opened close to two decades ago. Farm Sanctuary offers the most incredible and critical platform for the evolution of compassion. Something the world desperately needs. One of my fondest memories to date is the two days I spent with the animals at Farm Sanctuary, feeding the goats, petting the sheep, and feeling the peace that all of these amazing animals offer.” —Phillip

“Farm Sanctuary is a special place where we experience the best of humanity and the magic of animals. We are inspired by the power of hope and the gift of these beautiful, flourishing lives that had once been destined to unwarranted suffering.

Much gratitude goes to the heroes here that have devoted so much of their lives to the advocacy of farm animals. We are honored to support such an important mission and applaud the positive change you have created in the world.” —HelenMarie and Jeff

“I have been a supporter of Farm Sanctuary for over 10 years and I’m so grateful for all of the amazing work they do. From giving rescued farm animals the dignity and freedom to live their lives the way they deserve to promoting plant-based eating and compassion for all animals to fighting for animals legislatively, they are making great progress for all animals and in turn, all humans and the planet. Visiting the Watkins Glen Sanctuary and meeting all of the like-minded folks who work, volunteer, and visit there is a highlight of my summer every year. To me, Farm Sanctuary represents the possibility of a better future for everyone who shares this planet and I’m proud to support their work.” –Jordan

“We’ve always loved how Farm Sanctuary has used compassion at its core while reaching people through the three pillars of rescue, advocacy, and education. Our daughter Esme, now 12, has been visiting the animals every couple of years since preschool. We’re honored to support Farm Sanctuary’s mission and delighted that each of Esme’s visits has deepened her love for farm animals and inspired her to be more active in advocating for change.” —Nate and Aimee

“We need to stop using animals for food. They have feelings just like us.” —Esme

“In 2012, we found the Acton Sanctuary and also—gratefully—found the vegan, plant-based lifestyle. Literally overnight, we made “the switch” for our health, for the environment, and—most importantly—for compassion toward farmed animals. It was also ten years ago that we became members of the Friends of Hilda Club, and last year, we included Farm Sanctuary in our estate plans, joining Maya’s Legacy Society.

We are 100% committed to Farm Sanctuary’s mission and proudly support their tireless work to not only help the animals but also to advocate, educate, touch the hearts and change the minds of the public to make cruelty-free dietary and compassionate lifestyle choices.” —Bob and Marleta

“What makes Farm Sanctuary so very special is the opportunity it offers people to get up close to incredible animals—like the amazing and magical Merlin—and ‘experience’ them. What they discover is that these are living, breathing beings with personalities, emotions, and the ability to love. I defy anyone who visits to think the same about consuming animals for food.” —Erin

“Farm Sanctuary is extremely special to me because they teach the public to see animals as individuals rather than food. Visiting the sanctuary, you learn the animals’ names and personalities. You hug them, scratch behind their ears, and show them love. It’s incredible what the power of hugging a cow can do for you! Farm Sanctuary makes it easy to see that there are not many differences between farm animals and the animals you call your pets. We love visiting the Sanctuary and being able to know that our donations have directly benefited these animals and helped to save their lives.” —Amy and Mike

“I first visited the Watkins Glen Sanctuary 10 years ago, around the time I became vegan. It was a very impactful trip: I was lucky to see Julia pig and her babies, and learn their story—her babies were still tiny at the time. I still think of Julia often.

I started bringing my daughter, Nola, to Farm Sanctuary when she was very young (she is now almost 8), and she also met Julia, and then very large kiddos Maggie, Diane, and Liza. Nola fell in love with all of them right away. Over the years, we continued to visit Julia’s girls, and I always get emotional knowing that Julia is no longer with us, but thankfully she was happy in the end, knowing her kids were safe and had the freedom to be themselves. My daughter also fell in love with the sheep and decided that Ash is her best friend (of course). If everyone could just spend a little time in that sheep barn, and bring that peaceful happy energy with them, the world would be a better place.

We are always in awe of the beautiful and gentle special needs cows who have been through so much, yet are so kind and tolerant of us visitors. And my daughter loves to tell the story of Frank the steer. She has named her little cow doll Frank, and he sleeps next to her every night.

We moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 2020, and visited the Acton shelter last year when it reopened. It was nice to make some new friends, and we look forward to going back.

Every November we sponsor at least one turkey. This year Nola adopted Alexandra, as well as Celeborn for her cousin, and Thelma for her current teacher. Her teacher said that receiving the adoption certificate for Thelma led to important and thought-provoking conversations at her Thanksgiving table.

Last year, for the first time since she has been in school, Nola’s teacher did not include eating turkeys as part of their Thanksgiving conversation. She read a book to the class about a turkey ordering a pizza (let’s assume it was a vegan pizza!) for Thanksgiving and enjoying it with the family, instead of being eaten himself. Nola was so surprised and thrilled because usually she dreads all the turkey-eating talk. The teacher told me that it was because of Nola being vegan that she decided to rethink how she approaches the class discussion going forward. I believe even small changes like this are significant.

Farm Sanctuary has been a very important part of why being vegan is so natural for my daughter. The thought of eating animals, or taking anything from them just does not make sense to her. She says kids ask about it at school, sometimes challenging her about being vegan. She never tells them what to do, but she always stands up for animals and tells them the truth. She now has some friends saying they want to be vegan too!

The impact of Farm Sanctuary’s work is far-reaching and personal. I am forever grateful.” —Laura