It all started with Hilda, our first rescue. Hilda was saved from a pile of dead animals cruelly discarded at the since-closed Lancaster Stockyards. As our President and Co-founder, Gene Baur, walked through the horrors, he saw this courageous sheep lift her head for help—and Hilda went on to live 11 happy years at Farm Sanctuary, changing countless hearts and minds with her story.
It’s Our 40th Anniversary! On April 17, 1986, a Sanctuary Movement Was Born
Gene Baur with Hilda (left) and with Adriano
It’s Our 40th Anniversary! On April 17, 1986, a Sanctuary Movement Was Born
Gene Baur with Hilda (left) and with Adriano
Forty years ago to the day, Farm Sanctuary’s compassionate work officially began, as we became the world’s premier farm animal sanctuary. On April 17, 1986, our dream to build a kinder future sparked not only an organization but what would grow into a global movement.
Hilda
To raise funds for our growing efforts, Gene hit the road to sell veggie dogs outside Grateful Dead shows, reaching an audience open to our compassionate message for animals, people, and the planet.
In the four decades since those humble beginnings, we have saved thousands of farm animals from cruelty, neglect, and exploitation and brought them to safety at our sanctuaries and in trusted homes nationwide.
And in recent months, we’ve saved farm animals who, like Hilda, needed help to arrive in the nick of time, including Billie Eilish, a hen surrendered at a slaughterhouse, and Griffin, a turkey saved from a Thanksgiving hunt.
Through award-winning humane education programs, we have educated people worldwide about the realities of factory farming and inspired the next generations of activists.
Through far-reaching advocacy, we have prompted meaningful policy change, laying the foundation for a more just and sustainable food system and expanding access to nutritious plant-based foods.
And today, we are honoring this legacy, lighting the way forward, and celebrating the strength of our collective movement by uniting sanctuaries around the world for Sanctuary Day. Thank you to the over 160 sanctuaries and to all the individuals participating in this shared movement of reflection, connection, and solidarity.
We’re so excited to share this video with you, featuring a global community of sanctuaries and their voices:
With the support of our generous and kindhearted community, Farm Sanctuary is stronger than ever as we set our sights on the next 40 years of our mission for animals, people, and the planet.
Through these uncertain times, when the world needs compassion more than ever, our resolve remains unshakable. The obstacles we face are many, but we are strongest and steadiest together. Please continue to stand with us.
