About Rooterville Animal Sanctuary: Our Mission, Our Story
Welcome to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping rescued farm animals live the lives they deserve. We believe every life is precious and deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. Located on 20 serene acres near Melrose, Florida, Rooterville is a haven where nearly 100 residents—from pigs and cows to chickens and goats—find the love, care, and freedom they deserve. We invite you to visit and meet these amazing animals and learn how your choices can make a profound impact on their welfare, the environment and your own health..
Our Mission & Vision: Why We Exist
At Rooterville, our existence is driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare and a vision for a kinder world.
Our Mission:
To rescue and provide a loving home for farm animals in need, while also educating the public and inspiring compassionate living. We are not accepting more animals at this time.
Our Vision:
A world free from cruelty, where kindness and compassion guide our choices toward each other, animals, and the planet.
Our Philosophy:
We believe in encouraging visitors and supporters to adopt compassionate, plant-based lifestyles. This isn't just about animal welfare; it's about fostering environmental sustainability and personal well-being. Education is a cornerstone of our philosophy, delivered through hands-on experiences designed to inspire empathy and critical thinking about animals, our food choices, and global sustainability. We focus on farm animals because they are among the most exploited creatures, and their stories often go unheard. Here, their voices are amplified, and their individual worth is celebrated.
The Rooterville Story: From Idea to Sanctuary
The journey of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary began in 2004 with the compassionate heart of our founder, Elaine West. What started with a focus on providing a safe home for unwanted pot-bellied pigs soon blossomed into a much larger mission. Elaine saw the immense need for a sanctuary that could offer refuge to all types of farm animals facing abuse, neglect, and despair.
From those early, challenging days, Rooterville has grown steadily, fueled by dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of our community. Each expansion of our acreage, every new barn built, and every new life welcomed, marks a significant milestone in our history. Rooterville is not just a place; it's the culmination of a deeply personal commitment to creating a world where animals can live free from fear and pain. It's a testament to what a compassionate vision can achieve.
Every decision and every action at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is rooted in a set of core values that define who we are and how we operate:
- Compassion: At the heart of everything we do is a profound empathy for all living beings, driving us to provide the highest standard of care and respect.
- Education: We believe in empowering people with knowledge, inspiring them to make informed and kinder choices for animals and the planet-not to mention our own health!
- Sustainability: We have one planet. Nothing determines the health of our earth more than our diet. It's that simple. By sharing information on the environmental toll a typical American diet extracts from our environment, guests can make choices that better match their own values.
- Transparency: We operate with openness and integrity, ensuring our supporters understand how their contributions directly impact the lives of our rescued residents.
- Community: We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone—visitors, volunteers, and supporters—feels valued and part of our shared mission.
Rooterville's success is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the individuals who pour their hearts into our mission every single day. From our visionary founder to our compassionate caregivers and strategic board members, each person plays a vital role in creating this haven.
Our founder, Elaine West, is a disabled widow in her 60's who is passionate about the animals and making the world a better place by encouraging others to be kind and adopt a plant based lifestyle. Sharing Rooterville and the animals with guests brings her the most joy but you absolutely make her day if you choose to eat plants as a result of a visit!
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The true measure of Rooterville's work lies in the transformed lives of our animals and the growing community of compassionate individuals we inspire.
- Over 100 Rescued Lives: Each year, we provide sanctuary to dozens of animals who would otherwise face dire circumstances, offering them a second chance at a life of peace and dignity.
- Individual Success Stories: Discover the incredible journeys of our animals – from their rescue to their thriving lives at Rooterville. Their resilience is our greatest reward.
- Community & Education Outreach: Through our tours, educational programs, and public events, we connect with thousands of visitors annually, spreading awareness about animal welfare and inspiring kind choices.
- A Model of Ethical Care: We strive to set a standard for compassionate animal care, demonstrating that farm animals can live long, joyful lives free from exploitation.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, Rooterville remains committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our facilities, and deepening our impact. Our aspirations include reaching more animals in need, inspiring even wider audiences through innovative educational programs, and continuing to serve as a beacon of compassion for farm animals and the planet. Your support helps us build this future.
