Two of our team members, Wildlife Campaign Manager Nicole Barrantes and Development Manager Kara King, visited our new partners at Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve in New Jersey to meet farmed animals that were once abused but are now living peaceful and safe lives.
Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve is a 336-acre farmed animal sanctuary located in Montague Township, New Jersey. Less than two hours from New York City, it is home to over 250 rescued animals, including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. As the only GFAS-accredited farm sanctuary in New Jersey, many of its animals came from abusive conditions. Here’s what Nicole and Kara each had to say about the sanctuary.
Wildlife Campaign Manager Nicole Barrantes petting a pig at Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve
Nicole:
Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve is a wonderful sanctuary, and I was blown away by how beautiful the property was and the level of care the staff have for the animals. My favorite part was interacting with the pigs. You could tell how happy they were when they came up to us because they were wagging their tails; I didn’t know pigs wag their tails just like dogs do when they’re happy!
Development Manager Kara King petting a pig at Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve
Kara:
When we first arrived at Tamerlaine, I was taken aback by how beautiful and serene it was. As a born-and-raised New Jerseyan, the farmland around me was everything I think of when someone says, “Garden State.” We could see some of the resident animals in the distance, enjoying their morning in the sunlight, and for a moment, I wished I could be a rescue cow lounging in the grass with the wind blowing past my ears.
The staff at Tamerlaine greeted us with a warm welcome and began our tour around the farm. The tour started in the 1774 Historic Farmhouse. It was amazing to see how different aspects of the beautifully decorated farmhouse had been preserved and restored. From the back patio, overlooking 336 acres of protected farmland, I was able to see many of the resident animals. I looked outside and made a mental note to tell my friends I had found the perfect place for our next weekend getaway.
Chrissy, Tamerlaine’s Manager of Development, guided Nicole and me to the rehabilitation barn. This area provides a safe place for animals recovering from various ailments and injuries. Chrissy explained that due to inhumane breeding practices, many of Tamerlaine’s animals require medical intervention throughout their lives. While it’s always disheartening to learn all the ways factory farming contributes to animal suffering, witnessing how Tamerlaine’s staff is combating cruelty by giving its residents a second chance at life was revitalizing. I was seeing our mission happen in real time, and it reminded me why I am so passionate about World Animal Protection’s work.
As Chrissy guided us through other areas of the farm, Nicole and I were greeted by pigs, goats, Dawn the donkey, roosters, and chickens. I’m choosing to believe that the roosters loudly crowing was their way of saying, “Hi! I’m glad you’re here!” and not them wondering if we had snacks (I’m just kidding—I’d also be looking for my post-breakfast, pre-lunch snack!). The roosters and chickens reside in what can only be described as a small village. I was enamored with their tiny houses, each with its own unique decoration, and how peaceful each enclosure seemed to be.
The highlight of the visit was meeting the resident pigs. I poorly hid my excitement as we were greeted by pigs looking for belly scratches. The cuteness overload, combined with seeing pigs living a life free from fear, reignited that same passion I had felt in the rehabilitation area. This is the life all animals deserve—one filled with happiness, kindness, and unlimited sunbathing in soft grass. Chrissy watched as I soaked up every minute with my new pig best friends, never once rushing us along. I had never scratched a pig’s belly before, but now I feel like I need to visit weekly to get my necessary dose of pig cuteness. If my dog could read, he’d be very jealous.
As our tour came to an end, we had the opportunity to meet the remaining team members, including founders Gabrielle Stubbert and Peter Nussbaum. Gabrielle guided Nicole and me through Tamerlaine’s native gardens and shared some upcoming plans to continue cultivating spaces for native species and pollinators. We also had the opportunity to see the special events and wedding spaces where 100% plant-based events and weddings are hosted. Every space Gabrielle showed us was more beautiful than the last. I am now brainstorming ways to explain to my partner why we absolutely need to have a second wedding at Tamerlaine.
Tamerlaine’s small but mighty team is the embodiment of our mission to protect animals from cruelty and suffering. Its dedication to creating a kinder world for farmed animals was apparent from the moment we arrived. In addition to providing sanctuary to over 200 farmed animals and more than 20 cats, the sanctuary works tirelessly to educate the public on plant-based eating and attainable, animal-friendly choices one can make each day. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit, and I cannot wait to return with my friends and family.
