Meet the Animals

Jute is our charismatic pot-bellied ambassador who greets every visitor with the enthusiasm of a black and white tornado and the confidence of someone who absolutely knows he's the star of the show. This remarkable pig arrived as a tiny piglet in 2022 and has since blossomed into a spirited character who never lets anything slow him down, navigating his world with three hooves and an abundance of attitude. Whether he's charming volunteers into extra belly rubs or leading impromptu tours around the barn, Jute proves daily that resilience comes in all shapes, sizes, and numbers of hooves.

Kroo is our two-legged wonder who skip-steps through the sanctuary like she owns the place—which, let's be honest, she absolutely does. Born without radial bones in her front legs, she's adapted to life as a goat kangaroo with the kind of fierce determination that puts most of us to shame, head-butting goats twice her size and claiming the best sunbathing spots with zero apologies. This little powerhouse arrived as a tiny newborn from overwhelmed homesteaders who knew she deserved better than a world that only values animals for what they produce, and she's been proving them right every single day since.

Rebel is our resident shadow queen who patrols twenty acres of sanctuary land with the precision of a seasoned detective, melting into shade under pistachio trees before emerging to claim her rightful throne—a wicker perch on Grandpa's front porch. This fierce tortoiseshell came to us from SEAACA five years ago as wild as the wind, and while she's decidedly unimpressed by human attention, she's got a soft spot for allogrooming with fellow ferals, pot belly pigs, and the occasional chair leg. Every evening, she returns to her lookout like clockwork, keeping watch over her kingdom with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly where home is.

Rugby (aka Bark Twain) is the sanctuary's resident philosopher and luxury enthusiast, known for his magnificent underbite "The Chin" and his unshakeable belief that every day should be a spa day. This zen master of nap time arrived with his rescue twin Temperance from Moreno Valley shelter, and together they've perfected the art of dignified lounging while dispensing wisdom and collecting comfort items. Whether he's hoarding toys as "self-care," mentoring kitten Basil, or delivering his famous "Wisdom From The Chin" while sprawled across human pillows, Rugby embodies the Monday vibe we all secretly crave—sleeping until next week sounds perfectly reasonable to him.

Smokey is our dapper donkey who takes life at his own leisurely pace and looks absolutely stellar in any hat you put on him. This handsome guy has zero patience for sharing attention and will make sure you know he deserves all the pets and scratches — especially when his best buddy Buckwheat is getting any love nearby. After arriving lonely and needing companionship, Smokey found his groove at the sanctuary and now spends his days perfecting his slow-motion tiptoeing technique and being the most tolerant, affection-soaking donkey you'll ever meet.

Sylvester "Sly" is an 800-pound ginger giant who's mastered the art of pumpkin demolition and perfected the subtle communication of tipping water bowls when his wallow needs a refresh. This gorgeous Duroc hog may be getting on in years (complete with creaky knees that earn him daily peanut butter-wrapped meds), but he's still got the soul of a mischievous troublemaker who insists he's Irish every March and never met an apple he couldn't charm his way into receiving. After bouncing through four homes with his three sisters, Sly finally landed at his forever sanctuary where his gentle giant personality and scratch-requesting expertise make him absolutely irresistible.

Tashi and Hiro are the ultimate sibling duo who prove that some bonds are absolutely unbreakable — despite sharing their spacious yard with 64 other pigs, these two are utterly devoted to each other and can always be found snuggling, splashing in their favorite mud hole, or taking leisurely strolls side by side. These pot belly siblings arrived as tiny piglets six years ago when their mom Applesauce needed a safe place to raise her family, and they've grown into the most inseparable pair you'll ever meet. Named after the lovable characters from Big Hero 6, they're living proof that the best adventures are always better with your best friend by your side.

Viktor is our resident philosopher who approaches life with a calm wisdom that belies his years, often found thoughtfully surveying his domain from his favorite sunny spot. This contemplative goat proved that determination trumps everything when he arrived as a young kid facing mobility challenges, refusing to let anything slow down his zest for life. Now mobile - whether in his wheelie chair or just dragging himself around Marine Corp style - and thriving, Viktor has become the sanctuary's unofficial greeter, welcoming both new residents and visitors with his gentle, knowing gaze.