The lives of farmed animals are short and bleak. But those who have been rescued by Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary are given a space to thrive. Richa Moorjani meets some of these residents.
Animal sanctuaries are quite special. If you’ve never visited one, you should (check out this list of accredited sanctuaries in North America). They are the only places in the world where farmed animals are called residents and, in this case, where the main attraction is giving belly rubs to a 600-pound pig named Gilmore. And to see this in person is an extraordinary experience that could very well reshape anyone’s views on our current food system.
I had the privilege of visiting Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in a small town just north of Denver, Colorado. I was joined by Richa Moorjani, a Global Ambassador for World Animal Protection, for a guided tour of the sanctuary. During our visit, I witnessed the meaningful connections she made with the residents. Although Richa is widely known for her work as an actress, it quickly became apparent that she embodies compassion, empathy, and kindness in every aspect of her life.
Throughout the tour, we met cows, pigs, turkeys, ducks, goats, sheep, and a blind rooster named Diego. We encountered a dedicated team of volunteers who keep the residents happy and healthy, from dropping square bales of hay for the cows, to taking blood samples from a turkey with an injured foot. We witnessed feeding times, playful activities, and even a training session with a goat who listens to commands better than most dogs I’ve known.
Me filming Richa as she holds Diego the rooster.
Then we met Samantha. Her story is simple, yet profoundly heartwarming.
Samantha came from a dairy farm. Specifically, the dairy farm right next door. There, she was deemed “unproductive” because of her infertility. And if it’s one thing dairy farmers hate, it’s a cow who doesn’t produce any milk. Her days, or perhaps hours, were numbered once this irregularity was discovered, but luckily a staff member at Luvin Arms contacted the dairy farm at just the right time and asked if there were any animals who might be suitable for the sanctuary. With nothing to lose, the owners relinquished Samantha and her journey of growth in the sanctuary instantly began.
Richa and Samantha the cow.
Samantha’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories that breathe life into the mission of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. But watching these interactions with Richa and listening to her inspiring reflections is more than just a day spent at a sanctuary—it’s a call to action.
We hope that this short film we produced will encourage viewers to visit their local animal sanctuary and connect with the wonderful residents who live there. As Richa reminds us, “That’ll fuel your motivation to stop eating these animals.” What do you have to lose? Either you change your mind about eating them or you simply spend a day hanging out with animals. Win-win.