What if farm animals were allowed to be who they are and live out their lives in peace? What if they were shown kindness and respect? What if we could model a way to coexist and thrive on the earth? Farm Sanctuary was born from that vision.
Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has been at the forefront of efforts to end factory farming, change how society views and treats farm animals, and build a food system that is good for animals, people, and the planet. It started as a small grassroots organization that raised funds by selling vegan hot dogs outside Grateful Dead concerts and has grown to inspire a global movement.
Farm Sanctuary’s undercover investigations exposed egregious cruelty in animal agriculture and led to transformational rescues, starting with Hilda, a sheep who was discarded on a pile of dead animals behind a stockyard. Today, the organization operates sanctuaries in New York and California, and continues its groundbreaking education and advocacy efforts, which were critical in passing the first U.S. laws to restrict factory farming.
This book offers an inspiring testament to the power of kindness put into action, encouraging readers to envision—and help build—a more just and humane world for everyone. This never-before-seen retrospective tells the story of a movement through powerful images, personal reflections from activists, and insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of agriculture.
“In an age that accepts the horrific abuse of farm animals as normal, how do we witness for a better way? Gene Baur and his compatriots answered long ago by founding an animal refuge where gentleness and mercy are the norm. How these tenacious people created a beautiful place of peace, and helped to start a movement of reform, is the story told in this wonderful book.”—Matthew Scully, a former presidential speechwriter, author of Dominion and Fear Factories
“Farm Sanctuary may be turning 40, but it hasn’t stopped growing and developing, continuing to evolve its programs for advocacy and education. From collaborating with a wide variety of organizations in providing millions of plant-based meals to underserved communities, to expanding its education and sanctuary programs, Gene and his team are poised to lead the sanctuary movement in having a truly meaningful impact on the world.”—Miyoko Schinner, award-winning chef, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of six cookbooks, including the bestselling The Homemade Vegan Pantry
“When Farm Sanctuary was founded 40 years ago, they did what had never been done before: shine a light on the overwhelming abuses endured by billions of farmed animals. By rescuing—and telling the stories of—individual beings whose lives had been spared and whose bodies and spirits had healed, they also gave us hope. Farm Sanctuary is more than a refuge—it is a sacred place. After all, the very word sanctuary comes from the Latin sanctus, meaning ‘holy,’ and I, along with thousands of others, have witnessed the blessings it has bestowed on resident and guest alike for four decades.”—Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, a recognized expert on compassionate, healthful, and sustainable living, a bestselling author of eight books, and a longtime host of the podcast Food for Thought
“Factory farming is an aberration that represents the worst of humanity, and Farm Sanctuary represents the best. This seminal organization saves animals from slaughter and advocates for a compassionate food system that will benefit us all. Learn about their vital work in this wonderful book.”—Paul Wesley, award-winning actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries and James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
“Farm Sanctuary embodies the kind of world that vegans dream about. This book beautifully illustrates their groundbreaking work to end animal agriculture and to free farm animals from exploitation and live in kinship with them.”—Moby, musician, DJ, producer, songwriter, photographer, director, author, restaurateur, and animal rights activist
“Farm Sanctuary is heaven for these rescued farm animals. But also for the people who get to witness the power of kindness. I’ve been there, and felt the impact of these animals and their stories. If taken to heart, they can inspire change that extends beyond the sanctuary and into the world. This book features some of those stories from Farm Sanctuary’s first four decades. It is not just a look at the past. It’s a necessary call to action for our future. It is visual proof that a kinder world is the answer to all questions. And it’s within our reach, if we choose to act.”—Edie Falco, television, film, and theater actress, best known for her roles as Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos and the titular character in Nurse Jackie, she has won multiple Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards
“In Farm Sanctuary: The Story of a Movement, we meet rescued farm animals and the caring community working to end factory farming and encourage kindness to all critters, and I’m delighted that their life saving work was initially supported by selling vegan hotdogs at Grateful Dead concerts.”—Bob Weir, musician, songwriter, founding member of the Grateful Dead, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Kennedy Center honors recipient
“Few have done more for animals than Farm Sanctuary. This book doesn’t just tell their story—it reveals what they’ve been up against all along: a powerful industry built on cruelty, suffering, and indifference. This book is an inspirational reminder that even the smallest beginnings can spark the biggest change.”—Nikki Glaser, comedian, actress, and television host known and respected for her honest and insightful commentary on pop culture
“For forty years, Farm Sanctuary has been a refuge for animals who long for, and deserve, a peaceful existence. Liberty and Indigo’s rescue from slaughter to sanctuary is a testament to the power of extending our circles of compassion and empathy. This book is filled with many more stories of liberation, sure to nourish your soul.”—Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar-winning actor who has played a wide variety of roles in dozens of feature films
“Farm Sanctuary not only practices mercy, it teaches it. This book reminds us that each of us has the power to affect change—in systems, and in individuals.”—Jonathan Safran Foer, novelist and author whose nonfiction book, Eating Animals, inspired a documentary film of the same title
“Farm Sanctuary has a vision of a world where all beings are treated with kindness, and participating in Farm Sanctuary’s annual Adopt a Turkey Project has been a tradition in my family for over a decade. I hope that this book inspires you to get involved and make their compassionate vision a reality.”—Madelaine Petsch, award-winning actress known for portraying Cheryl Blossom on the Riverdale television series
“In these beautiful and touching images, you’ll see Farm Sanctuary’s ongoing work to create a more just and compassionate world. From the Walk for Farm Animals to the Celebration for the Turkeys, I’ve been part of its mission to fight cruelty for decades—and if you believe that all beings should be treated kindly, I hope you’ll join us, too.”—John Salley, four-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Detroit Pistons in the 80s, the Chicago Bulls in the 90s, and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 00s
