Kindred Spirits Sanctuary was founded in late 2003 in response to an overwhelming need for farm animal sanctuaries. The Sanctuary’s founders assisted the national farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary, by taking in some rescues from a terrible abuse/neglect case that they handled at the end of 2003. Inspired by four rescued sows from Cattaraugus County and by Farm Sanctuary’s outreach and compassion, Kindred Spirits’ founders decided to create another haven for abused, neglected, and displaced victims of “food animal” production. Farm animals are exploited every day in our society, and are subject to some of the most horrendous forms of harassment, abuse and neglect. Industrialized or “factory” farming operates on the basic premise that farm animals are mere commodities, not thinking, feeling beings. Animals that exist in these factories suffer in silence, and we find that people are horrified to learn about the types of abuse that these animals endure.

Kindred Spirits is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to ending the abuse and suffering of farm animals through direct rescue, advocacy, and education. We seek to provide a place where people can connect with these sentient beings and discover their unique (and often humorous!) personalities. At Kindred Spirits, farm animals are our friends, not our food. We are passionate about helping others form bonds with these remarkable animals, and gladly give tours by appointment. Kindred Spirits Sanctuary invites you  to come and give a pig a belly rub, or get a kiss from a cow!  We are launching an exciting new educational program in 2007, and will be reaching out to Florida students of all ages. Volunteers are also welcome, and invaluable to our rescue work! Please see our “You Can Help” page for more information.

The Sanctuary is located on 36 beautiful acres in Ocala, Florida. The 100 or so sanctuary residents receive around-the-clock care, high quality diets, spacious barns, and green pastures in which to laze and graze. Most importantly, they are treated as individuals and given a loving, peaceful environment where they can live without pain, hunger, or exploitation for their natural lives.