Sanctuary Pays You To Visit Farm Animals

You will never look at a hamburger or omelet the same way

July 4, 2013-

Grass Valley –

Animal Place is paying visitors $5 to play with pigs on a guided tour at their sanctuary in northern California. The sanctuary is home to nearly 300 pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, and rabbits living out their lives on 600-acres in the rolling meadows of Grass Valley, California.

A private foundation gave a $5,000 grant to encourage the public to meet animals like Lucille, a piglet saved from slaughter by an animal control agency. “We believe so strongly that a visit to the sanctuary will change your life that we’re willing to pay visitors $5 to come on a guided tour,” says Marji Beach, Education Director.

The one-hour tour gives visitors an opportunity to interact directly with the rescued animals, including Theo and Stanley, two calves rescued from the beef and dairy industries. Guests can pet a sheep and learn why roosters crow before dawn.

“It’s a rare opportunity for city and country dwellers alike,” states Celeste De Santiago, Animal caregiver. “City visitors on their way to Tahoe can get the unique chance to pet a friendly goat or feed grapes to a chicken. And for our country-savy locals, it’s an opportunity to interact with animals who will never face the butcher’s block.”

In order to receive the $5, visitors must register online and complete the hour-long tour. The tours are scheduled Wednesdays through Sundays. The $5 is only available to new visitors aged 5 and older.