Emus and llamas and a unicorn, oh my!
Heartland Farm Sanctuary is a rescue farm that receives injured, neglected or abused animals of all kinds. Most often the animals are allowed to stay and live out the remainder of their lives in peace, but there’s also space for animal rehabilitation and temporary boarding until permanent home placement can be made.
Location
11713 Mid Town Road | Verona, WI
The sanctuary is situated in the picturesque hills of Verona nestled between new builds and rolling farm fields. They offer tours, toddler days, kindness camps, experiential therapy, and farm animal rescue. Kindness camps teach kids compassion through animal care. It’s similar to Paw Prints through the Dane County Humane Society.
Public Tours
Heartland Farm Sanctuary is offering public tours. Tours are 60 minutes long and are for ages 5 and up. The fee is $12/person and all guests (including kids 5 and older) must be registered.
For the safety of the staff, volunteers and the community, face masks are required for all tour guests. Total capacity for public tours is 12 people.
Private tours
Private tours allow a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at life at the sanctuary. Private tours are 90 minutes long and can be booked on the day and time that works for you. All ages are welcome.
For groups between 6-10 people, the private tour fee is $200.
On our tour we were surprised by the sad stories that led each animal to become a resident. But, don’t worry. They now receive all the love and attention an animal could ever want- open fields, belly rubs, cuddles, personal pools for the ducks, and habitat pairings with their besties. While we were there, a few pigs had their daily application of sunscreen.
Each animal has a unique and vivid story that will open your heart
Meet Cookie. She’s a dwarf horse with medical problems who’s full of spirit. She has her motley crew of donkeys and sheep that she lives with. She can also be found making trips to different offsite locations to promote kindness and get her daily pets from new friends.
Meet Opal. She unfortunately lost a horn from a run in with a fence but has now become a unicorn. She’s timid but still friendly and likes to climb the goat structures.
Meet Maxwell. He literally fell off of a truck as a baby and was nursed back to health at the farm. He quickly became an important member and enjoys spending his days being pet, eating, and roaming his field with other animal friends.
Meet Mister. He’s got a protective attitude and a noisy opinion if you come too close.
If you’re looking to feel the love, we’d highly recommend a visit. The farm is largely managed by volunteers so consider sharing your time or donating. There’s lots of swag to choose from too. And when you do make it out to share in the peaceful vibe and meaningful mission of this farm, don’t forget your wellies and mind the animal waste!
***Heartland Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire compassion for all beings by offering a safe, welcoming space where people and farm animals come together to experience growth, healing and connection.
