Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary

Dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected and abandoned farmed animals.

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Vegan Farm Animal Sanctuary

Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, located in Campbellville, Ontario, Canada, was founded in 2014. Since it began, Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary has been dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, and abandoned farmed animals. Our goal is to provide a safe, life-long home for all of our residents, and to educate the public about the true nature of farmed animals through tours, volunteer programs, and community outreach. Please help us continue our mission of compassion! We thank you for visiting our website.

Help us help the animals with one time or monthly donations. Monthly donors provide peace of mind for the sanctuary’s feed room and health fund. Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary is a Registered Canadian Charity No. 807598578RR0001
Friends of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary is a Registered U.S. Charity No. 30-0951775

Our Back Story

It all began with a little piglet named “Esther”. And the idea of a farm sanctuary was born.
Steve Jenkins, a Realtor, and his life partner, Derek Walter, a Magician, were living an ordinary life when a rescued would-be mini pig came into their lives. Esther quickly stole their hearts and turned their lives upside down. Never ones to succumb to the fear of a challenge, Steve and Derek buckled up for the ride of a lifetime as “Esther the Wonder Pig” turned into a social media powerhouse.

In just two short years, Esther had amassed hundreds of thousands of followers from all over the world, and her Dads, Steve and Derek, had become among the world’s most well-known and successful animal activists. In 2014, with help from Esther’s followers, Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary was born. Now Esther and her Dads rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused farmed animals, and spread Esther’s style of love and compassion – known as The Esther Effect!

Volunteers

“Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Author Unknown

Are you the type of person who likes to start your day hearing a donkey bray and a rooster crow? Do you like to do physical work in the great outdoors? Would you like to become a member of Happily Ever Esther’s exclusive Poop Crew?

If you answered yes to any – or all – of the above, come volunteer with us!

APPLY NOW

Our Residents

The Pigs

Ranging in age from young to seniors, our amazing group of very special pigs enjoy an idyllic life at Happily Ever Esther. Pigs are VERY smart animals who love to root, play, and, of course, eat! They know exactly when it’s meal time and love to vocalize their anticipation. Life expectancy for pigs on average is 15 years. Veterinary care for the pigs involves hoof trimming every six weeks, annual vaccinations and regular health exams every six weeks. Life expectancy is 10 years

Diet: hay, custom-made piggy kibble (plant-based), lots of fruits and vegetables (the amount varies depending on the season and whether the pigs are also grazing in the fields)

The Cows

Cows are intelligent animals with an innate sense of curiosity. They have a full range of personality traits that can include boldness, shyness, sociability, excitability, and possess a natural hesitancy towards the unknown. When feeding Pouty and Sir Denver by hand, they will very carefully approach the fence, slowly stick out their tongues and gently take the food from your hand. The average life expectancy for a cow is 15-20 years. They both receive routine vaccinations and regular health checks.

Diet: pasture grass during warm months, hay all year-round, the occasional cow grain along with fruits and vegetables for treats, and salt and mineral blocks.

The Birds

The birds at Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary are incredibly curious, funny and happy. Life expectancy is on average 8-10 years for chickens, depending on their breed, and up to 20 years for peacocks.

Diet: chicken feed, duck feed and peacock feed, plus free access to calcium supplement and grit.

The Goats

The goats at Happily Ever Esther are incredibly curious, funny and happy. Life expectancy for goats is approximately 15 years. Veterinary care consists of regular health check ups.

Diet: hay, horse pellets, lots of fresh veggies, fruit for a treat, mineral lick . . . and virtually anything they can get a hold of!

The Donkey and Horse

BJ and Escalade are lifelong companions. They were surrendered to Happily Ever Esther in November 2014 by a couple who could no longer take care of them. BJ and Escalade are inseparable. We believe that Escalade is an American Quarter Horse/Arabian cross. Veterinary care consists of regular health check ups, quarterly hoof trimming by a farrier and semi-annual de-worming.

Diet: hay, horse pellets, lots of fresh veggies, sweet feed, fruit for a treat, salt lick.

The Sheep

The sheep at HEEFS are very happy and live a life of plenty! Veterinary care consists of annual sheering, regular hoof trimming and periodic health check ups.

Diet: hay, plant-based sheep pellets, fresh vegetables and occasional watermelon.

The Rabbits

All of the bunnies live together in the recently constructed Bunny Town. Veterinary care consists of regular health check ups.

Diet: hay, rabbit pellets, fresh vegetables.

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