I recently had the opportunity to visit Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware. Read below for more information about the Preserve (and photos!).
Barn Hill Preserve Founders Gabe Ligon and Josh Mueller have a passion for animals and education. They have grown Barn Hill into a thriving haven for exotic animals, conservation initiatives, and educational programs with locations in Delaware and Louisiana.
Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware is home to over 25 species of exotic animals including two-toed sloths, red kangaroos, an aardvark, otters, owls, big cats, reptiles, and more!
They offers many ways to meet and learn about their exotic animal ambassadors, including educational, hands-on tours, Kangaroo Yoga, Otter Swims, Sippin’ with Sloths, Munchin’ with Monkeys, and so many more. All events start with a 45 minute educational presentation featuring some of their awesome animal ambassadors. Visitors also get the opportunity to hold, touch, and get close to many of the Preserve’s residents.
All of Barn Hill’s ambassador animals are rescues. Many of their reptiles and farm animals are owner surrenders, while their more exotic residents are rescued from zoos and were born in captivity. None of these animals could survive on their own in the wild since many are not native to North America and none have lived in the wild. The staff works tirelessly and compassionately to care for and attend to the needs of these beautiful animals.
If you find yourself in the Frankford, Delaware, make sure to check out Barn Hill Preserve! It’s a great opportunity to learn about and support the conservation of exotic animals, and a truly fun and unforgettable experience.
Animal welfare and conservation is a cause near and dear to my heart, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting many animal sanctuaries in the last few years. Check out more blogs (and photos!) of my animal sanctuary visits here.
Learn more and support Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware on their website.
For the first time EVER, I’m going to give access to prints of my rescue animal portraits! After much thought, I have decided to do this to further my mission of spreading these lovely beings’ stories and raise money for the sanctuaries that have saved them. I am starting with Here With Us Farm Sanctuary!
All prints are 4″ x 6″ and are $10 each. 50% of the proceeds will be donated directly to Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. For the sake of transparency, and because I struggled with whether or not to sell prints, I want to share that I donated my time to the sanctuary to capture these images. I don’t wish to make money off of the portraits or stories of rescued animals and the hard work of the sanctuaries that care for them. I made the decision to donate 50% of proceeds so that I could use the remaining proceeds to help cover the cost of production of the prints, mailing, and time and equipment involved producing the portraits and managing the sale.
For this first run, I have 10 different prints, and I have 5 copies available of each. I am hoping for a good response so I can continue to release images and raise fund for the many sanctuaries I have visited!
See below for photos of the prints that are available and to read the story of the rescue animals depicted! Please consider supporting Here With Us Farm Sanctuary with a purchase of a high quality photo print! Contact me to claim yours. Venmo, PayPal, cash, or check are all accepted.
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
ALICE Alice has the best ears in the game! This proud mother goat was rescued from an extremely overcrowded farm. More than 100 goats where living in a small area with virtually no grass and very little human interaction. Her baby boy Eddie was rescued and lives with her at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Once she is completely healthy and ready, she will get to join the rest of the goats at Here With Us in the large pasture.
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
COCOA Cocoa arrived as an owner surrender. She was very shy at first but has already started to open up thanks to the loving and compassionate care she receives at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. She clearly has a playful and curious personality. She is sure to become a big hit at the sanctuary!
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
DARBY Darby is the second half to the goat duo that started Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Both he and Patrick were saved from a neglectful farm. They were malnourished and walked on their knees due to hoof rot. Darby has recovered nicely and has become very friendly and happy. He always has a little smile on his face which is evident in these photos!
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
EDDIE Eddie is Alice’s sweet baby boy! He is a bit shy right now, which is no surprise given the difficult start to his life on an overcrowded farm without human interaction. Eddie is very curious and sure to melt many hearts of visitors of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary in the future. Look at that smile!
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
JACK This handsome 6-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat is Jack. He and his buddy Sheldon are owner surrenders who were given a new home at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Here With Us was told that Jack and Sheldon were going to be shot if they did not find a new home. Jack seems to have suffered neglect by his last owner as he is still timid and learning to trust humans. He’s never received vaccinations and came to Here With Us with worms and mites which might be the cause of the missing hair on his face. Jack has one twisted horn which gives him a unique and distinguished look.
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
PATRICK Patrick, along with his friend Darby, is the first resident of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Back when Patrick first arrived in July 2018, Here With Us was just starting in a small Lancaster County backyard. They have grown a lot since then, and so has Patrick. He is a handsome goat with a big beard and a lovable underbite!
Peanut Version 1 4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With UsPeanut Version 2 4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
PEANUT This pretty lady came from a massive SPCA rescue in Philadelphia. Over 1,000 baby chicks were saved from filthy living conditions where they lacked food and water. All of these chickens would have been taken to slaughter. Cornish Cross chickens are typically bred for meat consumption. They are bred to grow at an extremely fast rate so that they are slaughter weight at just 8 weeks old. Peanut is now about 8 months old (at the time of this photo) and will live peacefully with the other wonderful animals at the sanctuary.
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
RALPH Ralph rules the roost at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. He is stunningly handsome with deep black eyes and bright orange and iridescent feathers. Ralph was found as a stray and is believed to have survived a scuffle with a cat. He was saved by Animal Care & Control Team Philly (ACCT Philly) and transported to Here With Us. Ralph is also the sanctuary’s alarm clock and wakes everyone up at 5:40 a.m. sharp every morning!
4″ x 6″ | Limited First Edition Print of 5 | $10 | 50% Benefits Here With Us
REGGIE Reggie was born on the same dairy farm as Ronnie. Since he is a boy and cannot produce milk for the farm, he was going to be sent to slaughter. Thankfully, the farmers had a change of heart. Reggie is a shy young boy, but when he warms up you will be treated to his sweet personality and affection. When I met Reggie a recent vet visit had him extra timid, but I was surprised and thankful to find him approaching me and my camera after just a short time in the pasture with him!
Please consider supporting Here With Us Farm Sanctuary with a purchase of a high quality photo print! Contact me to claim yours. Venmo, PayPal, cash, or checks are all accepted.
I’ve had the privilege and absolute joy of visiting Here With Us Farm Sanctuary twice to photograph their beautiful rescued animals. During the time between my shoots, I watched them grow from a small, backyard operation with two goats to a much larger farm with 51 rescues! Here With Us is a very special place with a lot of wonderful stories to tell. That’s why I asked co-founder Amanda for an interview.
Chris Corrao: Stories & Portraits (CCSP): First, please tell me a little bit about yourself.
Here With Us Farm Sanctuary (HWUFS): I’m Amanda, co-founder of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary! I went vegetarian in high school when a friend showed me the Meet Your Meat documentary. It wasn’t until 12 years later, after learning of the horrors of the dairy and egg industries, that I went vegan, in 2015. My mission with Here With Us is to show people that animals are individuals with personalities, feelings and emotions, just like us.
CCSP: How many animals have found refuge at your sanctuary?
HWUFS: There are currently 51 amazing animals who reside at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary.
Rufus: A sweet and handsome Jersey calf
CCSP: I would love to hear about some of the animals at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary.
HWUFS: Rufus is a 6 month old Jersey calf who has been with us since right after we moved to our new property in Seven Valleys, PA in March of 2019. He was rescued from a dairy farm when a group of monks negotiated with the farmer to have him sent to sanctuary, rather than slaughter. Then there’s Peg. Peg is a Cornish Cross chicken who came from a large SPCA rescue in Philly, where over 1000 chicks were living in filthy conditions with no food, shelter, or water. Cornish Cross chickens are bred to reach slaughter weight by just 8 weeks old. Peg is now almost 1 year old, and she is a sweetheart! Peg loves being held and being told how beautiful she is! One of the newer residents at the sanctuary, Tank, is a two week old Pekin duck. I got a message from a compassionate employee of Tractor Supply about a 1 day old duckling who was having trouble with his neck. I came in to get him right away. Tank was diagnosed with Wry neck, which is a condition that could be caused by head trauma or a vitamin deficiency. When I get Tank’s food ready every morning and evening, he gets 4 different vitamins crushed up and mixed in, and we are already seeing an improvement, Tank is doing so great!
Alice: The best ears in the game!
CCSP: Chris Corrao: Stories & Portraits is all about telling stories. Who at the sanctuary has a unique story?
HWUFS: Oh there are so many! But Alice’s story has a special place in my heart. Alice was originally rescued with her baby Eddie from an overcrowded meat farm. She was diagnosed with Listeria, and spent more than 3 weeks at the vet, unable to move and being tube fed. When she was finally able to come home, we continued physical therapy with her and thanks to generous donors, we were able to purchase her a wheelchair. After two weeks in the wheelchair she had regained enough strength to walk again on her own. Alice can now run and play with Eddie, and although the left side of her face is still partially paralyzed, she can eat and drink on her own. She is amazing!
CCSP: What inspired you to save and care for farm animals?
HWUFS: After visiting Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY and reading Gene Baur’s book Living the Farm Sanctuary Life, I knew I needed to do something. Being vegan just wasn’t enough for me. I needed to do something to help end the large amount of suffering that is happening every day and I needed to do something to close the disconnect and help educate the public that farm animals are no different than cats or dogs.
CCSP: What is your daily routine? You have so many animals to care for!
HWUFS: Morning feedings start around 8:00am. I do not have a working outdoor water hookup so buckets are filled indoors at the kitchen sink and brought out to the animals. Evening feedings are around 5:00pm and then our special needs animals are given their medications after. During the day, I try to spend time in each pasture and often bring snacks out to everyone!
One of several Cornish Cross chickens that were saved from the Philadelphia area.
CCSP: How can people support Here With Us Farm Sanctuary?
HWUFS: Sharing the animals’ stories is huge! The more people we can reach, the better. We also offer animal sponsorships! When you sponsor an animal, you’ll receive photos in the mail every month and your monthly donation will help to cover the costs of their food, snacks, and additional care.
HWUFS: We do offer monthly tours! The tour dates can be found in the events section of our Facebook page. If the public tour dates do not work for you, we are happy to accommodate private tours as well. Our animal sponsors are also able to visit at any time!
CCSP: What is your vision for Here With Us in the future? What do you hope it looks like in 5 years? 10 years?
HWUFS: I hope the sanctuary continues to grow! I hope to be able to expand our current property in the future, so we can rescue more animals. And, I hope to learn new and bigger ways to continue our outreach.
CCSP: I know that you are also a photographer and take beautiful portraits of your sanctuary’s residents. What role do you think photography plays in animal advocacy?
HWUFS: Photography is so important. Being able to convey each animal’s individual personality helps people connect with them.
Darby: One of the first two original residents of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary
CCSP: What is the best part of running an animal sanctuary?
HWUFS: Seeing the animals’ transformations, such as watching them learn to trust people, learn to play, or take a treat from someone’s hand for the first time. I love looking out my windows and seeing all the animals just living their lives. Not being forced to do anything they don’t want to do, not being used as commodities, just simply living their lives. It’s amazing.
CCSP: What is the most challenging aspect of running an animal sanctuary?
HWUFS: The most challenging aspect by far is dealing with the loss of an animal, an individual, a being, a family member.
Jack: One of two Nigerian Dwarf goats at the sanctuary
CCSP: Is there anything else you would like to share?
HWUFS: I really would just like to say thank you to every single one of our supporters. We literally could not do this without you.
To connect with Here With Us Farm Sanctuary, visit their Facebook or Instagram.
To see more photos of the animal residents at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary and read more of their stories, visit my recent gallery here.
Enzo is a spunky pig who was mysteriously found running through the streets of downtown Lancaster one year ago in July of 2017. Her cropped tail suggests that she managed to escape from a livestock truck on her way to another meat farm or to a butchering plant. This amazing feat earned her the loving name of Enzo the Escape Artist by her rescuer, Francesca!
Francesca was on her way to work when she spotted Enzo dodging through traffic. Without hesitation she jumped out of her car and chased Enzo down so she could ensure her safety. After sending a selfie with Enzo to her employer to prove her unbelievable excuse for her tardiness, Francesca brought her to veterinary emergency office where she learned that Enzo, who she thought was a boy, was actually a girl! Regardless, the name Enzo stuck.
Now two years later, Enzo is so happy and healthy! She was a mere 6 pounds when rescued, but is now an estimated 450 pounds at 2 years old.
Currently, Enzo lives nearby with some fellow rescued pigs and boars (rescued from a trophy hunting situation) and a couple with huge hearts for animals! It’s so great to see Enzo happy, healthy, and with friends!
Here With Us Farm Sanctuary Seven Valleys, York, PA
Here With Us Farm Sanctuary is a farm animal rescue located in Seven Valleys, PA. They were founded in July of 2018 in Lancaster but recently moved to their forever property in March of 2019! Their mission is to provide a safe and loving home to farm animals who have been abused and neglected, while also showing people that farm animals are just like us—individuals with personalities and feelings. They currently have more than 20 amazing animals at their sanctuary!
Meet the animal residents of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary below:
Ronnie Male Calf
Ronnie was born on a dairy farm. Being a boy means he was of no use to the farm in terms of producing milk, so he was going to be sent to slaughter. Thankfully, the farmers had a change of heart and sent him to live peacefully at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Ronnie has the company of two other male calves, including Reggie, who came from the same farm, and Rufus! All three boys are happy and healthy.
Reggie Male Calf
Reggie was born on the same dairy farm as Ronnie. Since he is a boy and cannot produce milk for the farm, he was going to be sent to slaughter. Thankfully, the farmers had a change of heart. Reggie is a shy young boy, but when he warms up you will be treated to his sweet personality and affection. When I met Reggie a recent vet visit had him extra timid, but I was surprised and thankful to find him approaching me and my camera after just a short time in the pasture with him!
Rufus Augustine Male Calf
With his captivating and large eyes, light brown coat, and adorable knobby knees, Rufus bears the resemblance of a baby deer! Rufus has had an interesting life so far. He was born on a dairy farm (not the same one as Ronnie and Reggie) and taken from his mother. He was destined for slaughter since he could not provide milk for the farm. Believe it or not, a group of monks learned about Rufus and stepped in to negotiate for his life. Rufus was transported to and fostered by Indraloka Animal Sanctuary before he was able to move to Here With Us Farm Sanctuary to live out his life peacefully and happily.
Jack Nigerian Dwarf Goat
This handsome 6-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat is Jack. Him and his buddy Sheldon are owner surrenders who were given a new home at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Here With Us was told that Jack and Sheldon were going to be shot if they did not find a new home. Jack seems to have suffered neglect by his last owner as he is still timid and learning to trust humans. He’s never received vaccinations and came to Here With Us with worms and mites which might be the cause of the missing hair on his face. Jack has one twisted horn which givens him a unique and distinguished look.
Sheldon Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Meet Sheldon! He and Jack are owner surrenders who were rescued by Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Sheldon and Jack were going to be shot if they did not find a new home. Sheldon seems to have suffered neglect by his last owner as he is still timid and learning to trust humans. He’s never received vaccinations in his 6 years and came to Here With Us with worms and mites. He is quarantined with Jack while he gets healthy but will soon get to join the rest of the goats at the sanctuary in the large pasture!
Alice Boer Goat
Alice has the best ears in the game! This proud mother goat was rescued from an extremely overcrowded farm. More than 100 goats where living in a small area with virtually no grass and very little human interaction. Her baby boy Eddie was rescued and lives with her at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Once she is completely healthy and ready, she will get to join the rest of the goats at Here With Us in the large pasture.
Eddie Baby Boer Goat
Eddie is Alice’s sweet baby boy! He is a bit shy right now, which is no surprise given the difficult start to his life on an overcrowded farm without human interaction. Eddie is very curious and sure to melt many hearts of visitors of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary in the future. Look at that smile!
Indie and Emma Goats
Indie and Emma were saved from the same overcrowded farm as Alice and Eddie. They are still timid as they learn to trust humans after their rough experience before coming to Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Indie and Emma are being fostered at Here With Us temporarily, but will eventually live at Huckleberry Trails Animal Sanctuary when they are ready!
Millie American Lamancha Goat
Millie arrived at Here With Us as an owner surrender with her fellow Lamancha goat friend Cocoa. She came as a shy 6 year old who would not allow people to approach her. She hasn’t been at the sanctuary long, but she has already started to open up and accept some pets and scratches from humans. She lives in the big pasture with Cocoa, Patrick, and Darby. Lamancha goats have very small ears. Look how cute Millie’s are!
Cocoa American Lamancha Goat
Cocoa arrived along with Millie as an owner surrender. Like Millie, she was very shy at first but has already started to open up thanks to the loving and compassionate care she receives at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. She clearly has a playful and curious personality. She is sure to become a big hit at the sanctuary! Cocoa’s ears are even smaller than Millie’s and are so cute!
Patrick Boer Goat
Patrick, along with his friend Darby, is the first resident of Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Back when Patrick first arrived in July 2018, Here With Us was just starting in a small Lancaster County backyard. They have grown a lot since then, and so has Patrick. He is a handsome goat with a big beard and a lovable underbite!
Darby Mixed Breed Goat
Darby is the second half to the goat duo that started Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Both he and Patrick were saved from a neglectful farm. They were malnourished and walked on their knees due to hoof rot. Darby has recovered nicely and has become very friendly and happy. He always has a little smile on his face which is evident in these photos!
Ralph Rooster
Ralph rules the roost at Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. He is stunningly handsome with deep black eyes and bright orange and iridescent feathers. Ralph was found as a stray and is believed to have survived a scuffle with a cat. He was saved by Animal Care & Control Team Philly (ACCT Philly) and transported to Here With Us. Ralph is also the sanctuary’s alarm clock and wakes everyone up at 5:40 a.m. sharp every morning!
Peanut, Tofu, Happy, & Peg Cornish Cross Chickens
These pretty ladies all came from a massive SPCA rescue in Philadelphia. Over 1,000 baby chicks were saved from filthy living conditions where they lacked food and water. All of these chickens would have been taken to slaughter. Cornish Cross chickens are typically bred for meat consumption. They are bred to grow at an extremely fast rate so that they are are slaughter weight at just 8 weeks old. They are now about 8 months old and will live peacefully with the other wonderful animals at the sanctuary.
Ziggy Stardust, Tara Lucy, & Willow Golden Comet Chickens
These Golden Comet chickens are all owner surrenders. Having suffered poor treatment in the past, they are at this point incredibly shy and keep their distance from humans, especially Tara Lucy and Willow. In time they are sure to warm up and welcome more direct interaction with people. The important thing is that they are now safe and part of a loving home.
Learn more about Here With Us Farm Sanctuary by visiting their website. Donations can be made online via their Patreon Page.
Chris Corrao: Stories & Portraits 