OUR STORY
A Commitment to Kindness
From humble beginnings in the woods of West Virginia, our founder never seemed to meet an animal that didn't deserve a second chance. If a duck needed a home, it ended up in the bathtub. An injured rabbit? Absolutely. A snake on the porch? Why not.
Life eventually led away from animals for a time through college and the early years of building a career. But the pull to care for animals never disappeared. That path found its way back through an unforgettable golden retriever, a pig happily riding in a stroller, and a career dedicated to protecting and saving whales.
Upcountry Animal Sanctuary is the natural continuation of that lifelong journey: a place where all humans are welcome and animals can grow old and simply be loved.
ABOUT UPCOUNTRY ANIMAL SANCTUARY
"If you can only be one thing, let it be kind."
Nestled in the lush upcountry community of Haʻikū on Maui, the Upcountry Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit micro-sanctuary dedicated to giving rescued or previously-loved domestic and farm animals a home under the Camphor tree on the slopes of Haleakala.
Our residents have come from various situations, uncertain futures, or loved beginnings. Most simply they needed someone willing to say "yes." Regardless of where they came from, every animal who finds sanctuary here receives lifelong care, safety, and the opportunity to live at their own pace.
As a micro sanctuary, we intentionally remain small. Not only limited by space but we believe that keeping our family of residents limited allows us to provide the highest quality of individualized care while creating meaningful connections between people and animals - Every fence built, every meal prepared, every veterinary visit, every quiet afternoon in the field, and every tear.
Through education, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach, we hope to inspire people of all ages to see farm animals differently. We believe that when people truly know an animal, compassion naturally follows.
Upcountry Animal Sanctuary is funded entirely through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Every contribution, whether it's a bag of feed, a few hours of volunteer time, or a financial gift, directly supports the animals who call this sanctuary home.
For the ones who find their way here, we can offer something every living being deserves: safety, kindness, and a life where they are loved simply because they exist.
Welcome to the Upcountry Animal Sanctuary.
And where, above all else, kindness always comes first.