Rooterville Animal Sanctuary: Experience Nature's Harmony in Florida
Connecting families with nature through immersive farm experiences in Melrose, FL, and surrounding areas.
About Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit haven located in Melrose, Florida, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care to abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals. Founded in 2004, Rooterville is a sanctuary in Florida for over 100 rescued animals—including pigs, cows, goats, horses, turkeys, chickens, and more—each with a unique story of resilience and recovery.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
At Rooterville, our mission is simple: to create a better world for farm animals through direct rescue, advocacy, and education. We believe animals deserve love, respect, and protection, and our nonprofit animal sanctuary works tirelessly to provide a safe, peaceful environment in Florida where our rescued animal residents can thrive.
By offering sanctuary to animals who have endured hardship, we also strive to educate the public on compassionate living, plant-based diets, and cruelty-free lifestyles—empowering visitors to make informed, ethical choices.
A Place of Healing and Hope
Spanning over 20 acres of serene countryside, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit in Florida that provides a natural and nurturing environment for rescued animals to live in comfort and dignity. Visitors are welcome to experience the sanctuary firsthand through guided tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs that highlight the intelligence, personality, and emotional capacity of farm animals.
Every rescued animal at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in Florida has a name, a story, and a place in our hearts. From Ginger, the affectionate pig, to Queenie, the gentle cow, each resident serves as a powerful ambassador for compassion.
Join Our Mission
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit in Florida that relies on the support of generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Whether you're looking to sponsor a rescued animal, donate, or visit the sanctuary, your involvement directly supports our efforts to provide love, safety, and lifelong care for needy animals.
Join us in making a difference—one life at a time.
Meet Our Team
The Soul of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, we believe that compassionate people are the foundation of a kinder world. Our small but mighty animal sanctuary team and faithful volunteers in Florida allow hundreds of rescued farm animals to live peaceful, happy lives. Get to know the extraordinary individuals who give Rooterville its heart.
Elaine West
Founder & President
Elaine West founded Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in 2004 in Florida with the unwavering support of her late husband, Dale West. After surviving a debilitating car accident in 2011 and losing Dale in 2015, Elaine bravely took on the mission alone—managing sanctuary operations, fundraising, and caring for the rescued animals without missing a beat.
For over 20 years, Elaine has operated Rooterville without drawing a salary and often personally funds critical needs. Her dedication to farm animals—especially pigs—stems from a childhood spent nursing runt piglets and a life-changing rescue of a potbellied pig from a local shelter. That pig, who rolled over for belly rubs at “hello,” became the spark that ignited Rooterville’s mission.
“That little pig changed everything.”
Elaine leads a devoted team of three, managing daily operations and caring for over 100 animal residents. Her work also extends to founding The Pink Pigs, a cruelty-free boutique that helps support Rooterville's mission.
Our Incredible Volunteers
Stephanie
Faithful Volunteer & Friend
For nearly 8 years, Stephanie has been a weekly presence at Rooterville. Her unwavering support and help from her daughter Amy have been a cornerstone of the sanctuary’s care efforts. They were the only volunteers who showed up to help during the big move, showcasing their commitment to the animals’ well-being.
“Her love and compassion speak volumes.”
Rooterville is honored to call Stephanie not just a volunteer but a true friend.
Jackie
Devoted Do-Gooder & Gardener
Jackie has been volunteering weekly at Rooterville for over 5 years, helping with everything from gardening and cleaning to special projects. Even in retirement, she finds time to give back through numerous causes, including:
- Guardian Ad Litem child advocacy
- Medical clinics for low-income families
- Her local church community
Jackie’s kindness, work ethic, and generosity have made her a beloved member of the Rooterville family.
“The world needs more people like Jackie.”
Vicki & Mark
Volunteers Turned Neighbors
Vicki and Mark have been volunteering at Rooterville in Florida for over 8 years and love the animal sanctuary so much that they bought the lot behind it to be closer on weekends.
Every other weekend, they arrive with a trailer full of fruit, veggies, treats, and even catnip for the sanctuary cats. Mark brushes the sanctuary’s bear-like dog, and they always have time for belly rubs and baths.
Mark now serves on Rooterville’s Board of Directors, helping guide the sanctuary's future and contributing to its long-term success.
“Their dedication to Rooterville is unwavering.”
Why Our Team Matters
Rooterville is more than a non-profit animal sanctuary in Florida—it’s a community of love and purpose. Our founder, staff, and volunteers embody the sanctuary’s mission to protect rescued farm animals, promote compassionate living, and inspire kindness.
Interested in joining this compassionate crew? Volunteer with us or learn about other ways to help.
Discover the Magic of Rooterville
Read our guide to uncover the unique experiences awaiting you at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary. From luxury accommodations to unforgettable animal interactions, seize the opportunity to create lasting memories.
Experience the Best of Melrose and Beyond
At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, we pride ourselves on offering a unique vacation destination that combines the charm of a petting zoo, farmstay, and luxury accommodations. Our sanctuary in Melrose, Florida, and service areas like Jacksonville and Orlando provide families and couples with a perfect introduction to nature and relaxation. Guests can enjoy a safe, clean environment where they can connect with our friendly farm animals and experience the tranquility of the countryside. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that every visit is both enjoyable and environmentally conscious.
"We had an outstanding morning. Tina Seifert has been wanting to meet a Highlands Cow up close for some time now. Today was that experience. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary was a great place to do this. 🥰"
- John Blanchard
"An absolutely wonderful sanctuary where you can enjoy feeding and interacting with the animals. We loved the cow cuddles. Great for both kids and adults. Hoping to go back and rent one of the beautiful covered wagons."
- Marie DiMuro
"We had a great day! The cow cuddling was amazing, Jett the highland cow is so snuggly. What a way to unwind. The staff was truly accommodating and friendly."
- Michele Marani
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is a petting zoo, farm stay, campground, zoo, RV park, botanical garden, park, lodging, wedding venue, event venue, store, and gift shop in Melrose, Florida. It offers a unique blend of interaction with farm animals and luxury overnight stays.