Meet Our Beloved Residents: The Rescued Animals of Rooterville Sanctuary
Welcome to the heart of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, where our mission truly comes alive through the individual lives we've saved. This is where you can meet the beloved rescued farm animals in Florida who now call Rooterville their forever home. Each resident carries a unique story of survival, resilience, and the profound power of compassion. They are not just animals; they are family, ambassadors for their species, and living testaments to the impact of kindness.
A Home for Life – They're Family
At Rooterville, every animal who arrives receives a lifetime commitment of love, care, and respect. From the moment they step onto our peaceful acres, their past of neglect or abuse is left behind, replaced by a future filled with dignity, joy, and the freedom to simply be themselves. Our dedicated team ensures they receive personalized veterinary care, nutritious food, enriching environments, and abundant affection. This section is a celebration of their new beginnings and the incredible transformations they undergo.
Featured Animals / Our Residents Gallery
Dive into the stories of some of our most beloved
Rooterville sanctuary animals. This gallery offers a glimpse into the diverse personalities and inspiring journeys that make our community so special.
Daphne was found abandoned in a pen in a rural area, her people moved and left her, her mate and her babies to starve! She watched as her family, one by one, succumbed to starvation.
A passerby stopped to see the home one day and found them-he released the survivors, they were skeletons by then and had lost all hope.
Daphne and her two surviving piglets came to Rooterville over 15 years ago. Today, she's one of our most charismatic residents and the first one to greet you as you enter our gate. She reminds us daily of the incredible will to live that each animal possesses. She is now thriving in her forever home at Rooterville.
Sadly, due to their condition and the abuse they endured, her babies died prematurely of health complications. Daphne is still going strong though she is in her teens. Some pigs can live up to 24 years!
Compare that to a pig "raised" for meat who is killed when just 3-6 months of age, just babies.
The fluffy cows you'll find at Rooterville belong to Elaine's farm: Fluffy Cow Farm and Gardens. Our beautiful Jett, the Brad Pitt of cows, is a favorite of guests with his majestic but gentle demeanor. He relishes hugs and being brushed and scratched. There isn't much he wouldn't do for a banana.
When you book a cuddle session with our beautiful and sweet fluffy cows, you're helping keep the rescued animals of Rooterville safe and well cared for, as half of all cuddle revenue is given to Rooterville.
Some families think it is a great idea to have their own flock of poultry. Unfortunately, the wild animals also find it a great way to get an easy meal! This is why many birds end up in sanctuaries. Our beautiful turkeys are a case in point. Our oldest boys are over 15 years old! Other than a little arthritis, they are doing great. Our brown and white turkeys enjoy being pet.
Our peacock can be seen admiring himself in a window, our guineas are always running it seems and our chickens will be sure to meet you. You can bring snacks like mealworms, blueberries or melon chunks.
Their Stories: From Rescue to Retirement
Every animal at Rooterville has a past, often marked by hardship, but their present and future are filled with peace and purpose. These farm animal rescue stories highlight the common pathways to sanctuary:
- Neglect & Abuse: Many animals arrive malnourished, injured, or traumatized, having known only suffering.
- Abandonment: Others are simply discarded when they no longer serve a commercial purpose or become too much to handle.
- Intervention: Some are rescued from large-scale operations or emergency situations.
At Rooterville, they receive immediate veterinary attention, tailored diets, and a safe, stimulating environment. Most importantly, they receive endless love and the freedom to express their natural behaviors. Witnessing their transformation from fear to trust, from illness to vibrant health, is the most rewarding part of our work. This is their peaceful retirement, a testament to what happens when compassion wins.
How You Can Directly Help Our Animals
These inspiring animal welfare success stories are only possible with your support. There are many ways to become a part of their ongoing journey to happiness:
- Sponsor an Animal: Choose a specific resident to support and receive regular updates on their well-being. This is a direct way to provide for their daily needs.
- Donate to Rooterville: Your general donation contributes to feed, medical care, and facility maintenance for all our residents.
- Volunteer Your Time: Get hands-on and help us with daily care, cleaning, and maintenance—our animals love the extra attention!
- Visit Rooterville: Come and meet our residents in person! Witness their joy and see the impact of your support firsthand.