All About Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
Our History
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, founded over 24 years ago by Elaine West, is a peaceful haven for rescued farm animals in Melrose, FL. Run with love by Elaine, a handful of part-time helpers, and dedicated volunteers, Rooterville is a place where kindness comes to life.
Our joyful residents—like cuddly Jett the Highland Cow—can’t wait to meet you! We delight in watching visitors of all ages connect with our animal friends, enjoy nature, and discover how compassionate choices can improve our health, protect animals, and help our planet thrive.
Every dollar donated goes directly to caring for our animals, who’ve always been our top priority. For over two decades, Rooterville has welcomed guests and provided unforgettable animal experiences. That tradition continues.
Come visit, make a few furry friends, and be part of the kindness that keeps this sanctuary thriving.
With gratitude,
Elaine West
Founder & Lifelong Animal Advocate
Our Story
Welcome to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, a peaceful haven for animals and visitors in Melrose, FL, where kindness and compassion are lived out. For over 25 years, we've provided rescued farm animals—pigs, cows, goats, turkeys, mini-horses, and more—with love, respect, and the best possible care. Here, our animal ambassadors enjoy a safe, happy life on our beautiful property, surrounded by ponds, shade, and plenty of green space with interesting things to do and ways to express all of their natural behaviors.
At Rooterville, we believe every life matters. While we can't save them all, we ensure that each resident receives a healthy diet with food meant for their species, a cozy home, and a dignified farewell when the time comes.
Our founder, Elaine, faced significant personal hardships due to injuries suffered in an auto accident and an auto-immune disease as well as the sudden loss of her partner and husband. Despite tragedy and hardship, she has remained dedicated to building this sanctuary into a place of joy, generosity, and kindness. Our greatest joy is sharing these wonderful animals and their home with nice folks like YOU!
Your visits, stays, purchases in our gift shop and support help us continue this mission. With daily care costs exceeding $100, every visit, purchase and experience contributes to a better world for these amazing animals. Thank you for being part of the journey!
Let’s make kindness contagious!
God gave us a miraculous, self-healing body that will do its work when we give it the nutrition that it needs. Falling apart as we age is not natural, it is in great part the result of what we put in our mouths. If we go back to the Bible to Genesis 1:29, we'll discover the diet our bodies were designed to function optimally on. Eating close to nature rewards us with good health and puts life in our years.
That's the gift Dale and Elaine long to give to everyone: a healthy, long life full of joy and the peace that comes from knowing where you'll spend eternity as life is not over when we leave this earth. Learn more from one of our favorite, most inspiring pastor here: https://www.lakewoodchurch.com/watch-online
