Food for Thought is a program of Animal Place, one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the United States.
Food for Thought’s History
Zelda the pig
Animal Place’s Executive Director, Kim Sturla, used to work at an animal shelter. A pig named Zelda came into the shelter and her guardian didn't claim her. The only people who wanted to take her had plans to butcher and eat her. The animal shelter staff wanted to protect Zelda so they refused to let anyone kill her. Yet, the animal shelter staff were comfortable eating and serving pork at their events. Kim began to wonder why animal shelters and rescues that love and protect animals serve other animals at their events. She saw this disconnection and realized something needed to change. Kim rescued Zelda and co-founded Animal Place in 1989. Zelda was the first sanctuary resident of Animal Place! Kim also developed the Food for Thought program to encourage other shelters to align their menu with their mission.
Animal Place Today
What started as a volunteer-run, small sanctuary has transformed into one of the most respected sanctuaries in the country. Today, it is a model sanctuary with two facilities: 600 acres in Grass Valley, CA and a 12-acre Rescue & Adoption Center in Petaluma, CA. The sanctuary is home to over 400 farmed animals. Animals arrive from small and large farms, slaughterhouses, research facilities, and neglect or cruelty cases. Animal Place’s new Rescue & Adoption Center in Petaluma allows Animal Place to perform large-scale rescues. All animals find a haven where all their needs are met and their individual quirks are respected.
In addition to providing a sanctuary for farmed animals, Animal Place serves as an education and advocacy center. They offer tours, cooking classes, and workshops at the sanctuary as well as volunteer and internship opportunities.
Learn more about Animal Place, how to visit the sanctuary, explore their virtual museum, and donate.