Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue | Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue

We rescue, rehabilitate, and care for farmed animal survivors
and advocate to end their exploitation and suffering

Our Mission

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Tiny Sydney

by Flippo Rivetti

Tiny Sydney

by Flippo Rivetti

FROM SLAUGHTER HOUSE TO SAFETY

232 acres of pastures provides home to over 400 farmed animals who escaped certain doom.

The sanctuary opens for tours on May 15!
Stay awhile – book a night or two to get the full experience in our new B&B.

Each One Has A Story Of Survival

Freddie escaped from a slaughterhouse — and ran for his life through the streets of NYC.

ALBERT

A young man and his friends went to an organic family farm in order to buy pigs for a pig roast. Four of the guys bought piglets but the fifth guy did not. He was a 22-year-old. The farmer said, would you like this little runt because I can’t sell him.

SPONSOR ALBERT

EMMA

Mike received a call from a dairy worker in Connecticut saying they had a bull calf they would let go if he was interested. When he arrived at the location, he saw a tiny 2-day old calf. They said, “he’s with his mother because his mother is sick.”

SPONSOR EMMA

FAWN

A telephone call came in from the local SPCA which is only about 1/2 hour away. They said they needed help with a pig rescue. When he arrived at the location they gave him, Mike could see that this was a horrible neglect case.

SPONSOR FAWN

WILSON

One day, Mike received an unexpected telephone call from the local SPCA which is only about 1/2 hour away. They said they needed help with a pig rescue. When he arrived at the location they gave him, Mike could see that this was a horrible neglect case.

SPONSOR WILSON

ANDY

Andy came to Skylands together with another turkey named Robin around July of 2015. They were supposed to be Thanksgiving birds. They are called broad-breasted white turkeys. Someone just dropped them off mysteriously and didn’t wait to give an account of their story but we know they’re safe and sound now.

SPONSOR ANDY

BRONX

Bronx was brought in by the Bronx animal control staff. Many times, animals are seen on the streets and are picked up with no real destination, so they are often brought to the nearest sanctuary. We weren’t told Bronxies story but we’re thankful he’s here now.

SPONSOR BRONX

ANGEL

Angel’s mother had beautiful baby twins. She only had 3 teats though and wasn’t producing milk very well. So instead of sending one of the babies away, the owner brought her to Mike. Honestly, the man looked happy with himself that he did it! We know we are.

SPONSOR ANGEL NOW

BE AN ANIMAL DEFENDER

Jane Pierantozzi
We had a fantastic time volunteering at the sanctuary and meeting the precious animals who were rescued or escaped from slaughterhouses. The founder Mike Stura is a hero. Mary his lead for operations and volunteers was terrific. Both were warm and compassionate. We stayed at the Minerals resort hotel, which was only 10 minutes away and was convenient. We can not wait to go back.
J L
This is a place for animal lovers, you can come and visit or you can come and volunteer. Our family has been able to do both and we enjoyed every visit. This was my first time visiting the sanctuary. I had signed up to volunteer and was really excited about meeting the animals, especially the famous ones like Freddy. He escaped a slaughterhouse in Queens, NY, my old neighborhood and made the news that day. Thank God for Mike who rescued him and has been rescuing animals for years. He sure is heaven sent and has been doing an amazing job caring for these animals who deserve to live out the rest of their days treated with love and kindness the way all animals should be treated
Mitchell Kurtzer
We spent a wonderful day volunteering and bonding with these magnificent animals. Mike & Mary were incredible hosts and shared amazing stories of their animal rescues. This was our first visit and loved every second. Wear your washable boots. 😊👍
Stephanie Berra
What a magical experience. The grounds, humans, and animals at Skylands are all so wonderful and awe inspiring. Mike and team's dedication to these gentle, rescued 'kids' and getting to spend time and interact with them was one of the most soothing and beautiful experiences I've had the pleasure of having. Can't wait to back!