Francis was a surprise baby. We rescued his mom Reba, and six months later she gave birth surprising us all. He’s a bit shy, but he’s starting to come out of his shell. We are so happy that Reba will be able to raise her baby in a place where they are safe and loved.

Francis enjoys hanging out with Star, giving everyone kisses and getting neck scratches. He also likes playing every chance he gets.

Reba was rescued after being put up for auction through the police department. They had corralled her several days before after concerned residents called the local sheriff regarding an unidentified cow-on-the-loose. As police went out to find her, they immediately realized they had a free spirit on their hands, and Reba was not about to become someone's food! It's almost as if she knew they were coming for her, and already she was gone. It took them several hours and the help of more experienced cowboys before they could pull her into a trailer. We don't know where she came from or anything about her past life, but we're grateful to know she will live out the rest of her life here at Sage Mountain.

One month later, Reba continues to distance herself from humans but is slowly closing the gap. We suspect she may have experienced severe abuse and will eventually learn she's safe. Until then, Reba found solace in the company of our beloved-bovine residents and spends every moment with them, grazing the pastures in the privacy of her kind.

After Reba had been living here for 6 months, she gave birth to a baby boy! His name is Francis, and she is the most amazing mother to him.

After 7 months, Reba feels safe enough to walk up to the fence and take a treat from our hands! It's a beautiful thing to watch her gain trust back with humans.

Star was rescued May 2, 2022 through a 4-H type program in southern UT, where a young teen was tasked with caring for her as part of a therapeutic program. Students at the ranch are considered to develop their emotional health, and positive mindsets from the experience of caring and finally auctioning off the calves where they’ll become food. However, Star’s caretaker had a different plan, and decided to send her off to a sanctuary instead!

Star enjoys getting neck scratches, laying in the sun and cuddling with some of her closest human friends!

Bradley was rescued from a youth program that enables students to raise animals who will eventually be auctioned off. For some reason, the kids had a change of heart with Bradley and decided to send him off to sanctuary where he wouldn’t be slaughtered and get to live out the rest of his life!

Bradley enjoys watching over all of his family here at Sage Mountain, being brushed and scratching his butt on all the fences.

Smooch was rescued from a nearby farm where he lived before being adopted by a neighbor who would walk over and visit him. She spent more and more time with him, eventually forming a bond with Smooch. After she got word that the time for Smooch to be slaughtered was coming around, she knew she had to take action, so she reached out to the farmer and asked if she could take him. For two years, Smooch’s neighbor cared for him before she reached out and asked if we could take him in!

Smooch is named Smooch for a reason, he loves giving kisses! He enjoys eating anything and everything, meeting new visitors and taking naps in the sun.

Dale had been haltered and tied to a floorboard in a small pen, located just outside of a chicken plant in Southern California. Dale's overgrown hooves made it difficult for him to move around in what little space he had. He was starving, sick, and covered in flies — and even though cows are herd animals, he was left alone. Dale is a Jersey — a breed typically used in dairy production — and since as a male, he would never produce milk, his owner felt that she had no use for him. Thankfully, a relative urged her to send Dale to a sanctuary, and she agreed to relinquish the 10-month-old bull if he was quickly taken off her hands. That's where Farm Sanctuary stepped in and rescued him before transferring him to Sage Mountain, where he would live out the rest of his life!

Dale enjoys exploring every chance he gets, drinking straight from the water hose and saying hi to his human friends when they're around.

Benjamin was rescued from a youth program that enables students to raise animals who will eventually be auctioned off. The student raising Benjamin couldn’t bear the thought of seeing his friend be sent to slaughter and so they reached out to us, and thankfully we were able to rescue him!

Benji enjoys being mischievous, expressing how he feels and hanging out with Francis, Reba and Star.

Ralphy was found wandering the streets of South Jordan, likely being kept as a pet pig in someone's backyard. Unfortunately, in such cases, pet pigs are often raised for slaughter. When animal control picked him up, no one came forward to claim him. Our friends at Wasatch Wanderers happily took Ralphy in at that point, and were seeking a temporary foster home for him until a permanent adopter could be found. That's when we brought him to Sage Mountain as a foster. After a few months of Ralphy staying with us and no adoption applications, we realized the best option was to adopt him ourselves. He has since been introduced to the other pigs at Sage Mountain and is incredibly happy here. Ralphy is the sweetest little boy! He loves belly rubs, meeting new people, and listening to volunteers sing him lullabies as he falls asleep. His favorite song is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Pig,” he falls asleep with a smile on his face every time he hears it.

On June 2, 2022, four little piglets were born! We rescued Harriet, their mother, only two months earlier, so it was a total surprise to us all when we found her huddled at the furthest point of the pasture with one of her piglets, freshly born. We're honored to offer them sanctuary and look forward to witnessing the many people they'll inspire!

Pickles loves playing and being mischievous. She also loves hanging out with River and going on adventures around the sanctuary.

Harriet comes from on a small Utah farm where farmers were raising her along with several other blonde-mangalitsa pigs. Some of them were for show, others breeders, and some were sold as delicacy meat.

We took notice of her situation on March 27, 2022 through a FB post from the farmer who was looking to rehome or slaughter the pigs as they were no longer able to care for them and needed them gone that day. When we arrived Harriet immediately caught our attention. She was entrenched in a muddy pool of feces, belly deep, struggling to balance herself on a water bowl to access a clear space.

Since rescuing Harriet we’ve really gotten to see her personality shine. She’s the first piggy to find you to lay next to for belly rubs, and the last one to leave you’re side. She enjoys exploring the pasture, feeding time, and bathing in the wallow!

UPDATE: Harriet was pregnant! Two months after rescuing her, on June 2, we found her huddled at the furthest point of the pasture with one of her piglets, freshly born! She gave birth to 4 total piglets who are looking happy and healthy.

On June 2, 2022, four little piglets were born! We rescued Harriet, their mother, only two months earlier, so it was a total surprise to us all when we found her huddled at the furthest point of the pasture with one of her piglets, freshly born. We're honored to offer them sanctuary and look forward to witnessing the many people they'll inspire!

Amora enjoys long walks along the mountain side, getting snuggles from her family or human friends and playing in the dirt!

On June 2, 2022, four little piglets were born! We rescued Harriet, their mother, only two months earlier, so it was a total surprise to us all when we found her huddled at the furthest point of the pasture with one of her piglets, freshly born. We're honored to offer them sanctuary and look forward to witnessing the many people they'll inspire!

Francine loves playing in the mud, hanging out with her mamma and watching the sunset at night.

On June 2, 2022, four little piglets were born! We rescued Harriet, their mother, only two months earlier, so it was a total surprise to us all when we found her huddled at the furthest point of the pasture with one of her piglets, freshly born. We're honored to offer them sanctuary and look forward to witnessing the many people they'll inspire!

River enjoys saying hi to volunteers and hanging out with them while they work. He also enjoys sitting in the water trough and getting belly rubs!

Ponyboy was initially rescued by Farm Sanctuary in 2016 in Acton, CA after animal control picked him and his accomplice, Johnny the sheep, up after making their grand escape from their previous home. Once the shelter determined it okay to release them since no one had claimed them, Farm Sanctuary was able to rescue Ponyboy and Johnny and eventually transfer Ponyboy to Sage Mountain.

Pony Boy enjoys most things so he's always wagging his tail. He really loves spending time with Wilma Jean and watching the sunset with her.

Morgan was rescued in May of 2020 after falling off a transport truck and onto the road of an interstate highway in Morgan, UT. Animal control was able to take him in, and since no one claimed Morgan, we were able to rescue him. We’re grateful that he survived falling off the truck, walking away with only a few minor wounds, and that he gets to spend the rest of his life free from exploitation at Sage Mountain.

Morgan enjoys taking long naps, getting shoulder pats and expressing how he feels.

Jesse was found as a baby in Cedar City, Utah after his ears had been bitten off by dogs. The woman who rescued him brought him into her home and bottle fed until he was ready to come home to Sage Mountain.

Jesse enjoys greeting guests everyday, getting head scratches and napping in the sun.

Martin was considered a “bummer” lamb and the farmer had no desire to raise him. This is a regular occurrence in the industry as many farmers don’t see them as being worth the effort. In Martin’s case, the farmer chose to seek out a new home for him and that’s how he came to live happily with us.

Martin is very curious! He enjoys being in your presence without getting pets and hanging out with his sheep family. He also loves any and all treats he can get!

Sammie was found high in the mountains by a woman who would snowshoe in the area. She knew she was alone and very young, so she committed to returning each day to offer her food. Without this woman’s kindness, Sammie likely would not have survived the winter. Once spring arrived, the area could be accessed by snowmobile to bring Sammie to her new forever home at Sage Mountain.

Sammie enjoys being very observant, hanging out with Martin and snacking on different plants she can find.

Ava and her Brother Peter were found abandoned just days after their birth. They were estimated to be about four or five days old at the time. With limited options, their caregivers decided to take them into their home to bottle feed them. Lambs must be bottle-fed a replacement for their mother’s milk every few hours for the first weeks of their life, and they require a lot of time and attention. Since their mother was no longer present, the babies became very attached to their caregivers. They would not leave their sides and looked to them for guidance as they explored their new grounds. Luckily, they will still be able to see each other from time to time. We know that this bond will not be broken, and it just illustrates how deeply emotional and loving these sentient beings are. We are so thrilled to provide them with a life that is absent of fear and full of love!

Ava is a very gentle soul. She  enjoys getting head scratches and being in the company of her sheep and human friends.

Peter and his sister Ava were found abandoned just days after their birth. They were estimated to be about four or five days old at the time. With limited options, their caregivers decided to take them into their home to bottle feed them. Lambs must be bottle-fed a replacement for their mother’s milk every few hours for the first weeks of their life, and they require a lot of time and attention. Since their mother was no longer present, the babies became very attached to their caregivers. They would not leave their sides and looked to them for guidance as they explored their new grounds. Luckily, they will still be able to see each other from time to time. We know that this bond will not be broken, and it just illustrates how deeply emotional and loving these sentient beings are. We are so thrilled to provide them with a life that is absent of fear and full of love!

Peter enjoys being the protector of all the sheep here at Sage Mountain. He also enjoys expressing how he feels and eating sweet grain.

Jasper was originally rescued by our friends at Haven Hollow Animal Refuge when the goat farm he lived at asked them to take him in, because all of his goat friends were getting very old and had passed away. Luckily, they were able to take him in and make sure he had the chance at a good life full of love indefinitely.

Since then, Haven Hollow has been going through some changes and needed to find a new home for Jasper and their other residents. That's when we were overjoyed to be able to take him in! Since travelling from Idaho to Utah and arriving at Sage Mountain, he's been getting comfortable and making friends with the volunteers and Louis the goat. He's a very curious boy and loves to be involved with all things. He is also very sweet and shows his love and appreciation through kisses and soft nibbles. We're so grateful that he made his way to us and that Haven Hollow originally rescued him when he needed it.

Pam was raised as part of a child’s participation in a 4H program. After forming a bond, they didn’t want to see any harm come to her by sending her to auction. We were able to step in and offer Pam, as well as her friends Bruce and Kevin, a forever home filled with love and wide open space. They’re truly an inseparable trio and their goofy personalities bring smiles to our faces each and every day.

Pam enjoys watching the sunset, taking lots of naps and stealing treats.

Bruce was raised as part of a child’s participation in a 4H program. After forming a bond, they didn’t want to see any harm come to him by sending him to auction. We were able to step in and offer Bruce, as well as his friends Pam and Kevin, a forever home filled with love and wide open space. They’re truly an inseparable trio and their goofy personalities bring smiles to our faces each and every day.

Bruce enjoys being the boss of all the other goats. He also enjoys getting behind the horn scratches and playing with Tahini or anyone that will play with him.

Louis came to Sage Mountain with his brother Lenny after their previous owner sold their house, and made plans to send Lenny and Louis to the livestock auction. Luckily we got word and were able to negotiate their release to Sage Mountain before that happened.

Louis enjoys hanging out with everyone that visits Sage Mountain, leaning on you to snuggle and being the center of attention at all times.

Moby’s rescue began with the help of the non‑profit DXE, who helped bring her and her sister, Phoenix, to safety from Sanpete County. When Moby first arrived at Sage Mountain, she carried the weight of everything she had been through — timid, unsure, and frightened of the people around her.

With time, patience, and the gentle rhythm of sanctuary life, she slowly began to heal. And once she realized she was finally safe, her true personality blossomed. Today, Moby is one of the most affectionate and welcoming turkeys you could ever hope to meet. She adores greeting visitors, seeking out connection, and spending her days surrounded by her new family at Sage Mountain, where she is loved for exactly who she is.

Brett was abandoned in a canyon near Nephi, a place often used for target practice, just a few days after New Year's. Fortunately, a compassionate individual spotted Brett and took him in. Upon arriving at Sage Mountain, one of the most startling discoveries we made was bullet casings in his feces, underscoring the grim fate Brett narrowly escaped. Brett quickly assumed the role of protector for the other turkey hens at Sage, and he delights in strutting around, displaying his magnificent and beautiful presence.

Phoenix’s rescue began with the help of the non‑profit DxE (Direct Action Everywhere), who brought her and her sister, Moby, to safety from Sanpete County. When Phoenix first arrived at Sage Mountain, her whole body seemed to hold the memory of what she had endured — every movement cautious, every glance filled with uncertainty. She wanted to trust, but the world had not given her many reasons to.

Slowly, surrounded by gentleness and patience, Phoenix began to understand that this place was different. Safe hands. Soft voices. Days without fear. As she healed, the shy, trembling bird she once was gave way to the warm, curious soul she had always been beneath the surface.

Today, Phoenix is a tender, affectionate presence at Sage Mountain. She greets visitors with a sweetness that feels like a gift, choosing connection in the very place where she learned she could finally rest. She spends her days with her new family, loved deeply and unconditionally — exactly as she always deserved.

Found as a stray in Salt Lake City, Roxy found herself at the shelter unclaimed. From there, our friends at Wasatch Wanderers took her in and found a foster for her while they looked for someone to adopt her. Luckily, they knew that our turkey, Brett, was looking for a friend at that time. So they brought her to Sage Mountain. From there, she became best friends with Brett, and everyone and anyone.

Roxy is the sweetest gal you’ll ever meet. She is extremely social, as is known to cry out like something is wrong, when nothing is actually wrong aside from the fact that she wasn’t being held already.

She loves to snuggle, and will fall asleep while sitting in our laps often. Roxy loves meeting new people, and is often one of the first animals to greet visitors upon arrival. Out of our now 4 turkeys, Roxy is the alpha. Even though we have two toms, they both know that she’s a boss in the best way. They all adore her and they make for the cutest turkey family around.

Jeff was found on the side of the road with his sister, Ariana — two tiny lives with an unknown past. He was bruised, frightened, and in need of gentle hands and time to heal. A compassionate foster stepped in, giving both siblings the safety and care they needed. Once they were finally strong enough, we were asked if we could give them a permanent home.

Penelope was found as a stray and ended up at the animal shelter. After no one claimed her and her stray hold was up, we picked her up to bring her home to Sage Mountain and offer her sanctuary.

She was very skittish upon arriving and didn’t want to be close to any of us. But after a few months of her receiving love and care she finally realized that she was safe and began to trust us.

Nowadays she spends her time hanging out with the other hens at the sanctuary, cuddling Joey the rooster every night and saying hi to volunteers when they arrive to feed.

Sally (also goes by Squishy) was found as a stray and ended up at animal shelter. After she was left unclaimed when her stray hold was over, our friends at Wasatch Wanderers picked her up. They were able to find a wonderful volunteer to foster and take care of her for 2 weeks before we picked her up and brought her to Sage Mountain.

Sally is the sweetest girl and was very comfortable with us from the start. Walter the rooster was immediately excited to meet her and make sure she knew that he’s there to protect her. So far she’s enjoyed exploring the sanctuary and getting to know her new family. We’re honored to be able to offer her love and sanctuary and we’re very grateful for Wasatch Wanderers for rescuing her when she needed it.

Steve was originally being kept as a pet hen with her sisters Piper and Stormy. When their caretakers realized they didn’t have as much time as they once had to care for them, they reached out to us hoping to give them a permanent safe home with other chicken friends to be with. We were happy to be able to take them in to provide them with love, safety and care for the rest of their lives. Steve is very sweet and her caretakers thought she was a rooster when they named her. It turns out she is in fact a hen, but she already knew her name so they kept it the same. She enjoys spending time with her sisters, hanging out with the other animals at Sage Mountain and sitting on volunteer’s laps occasionally.

Piper was originally being kept as a pet hen with her sisters Stormy and Steve. When their caretakers realized they didn’t have as much time as they once had to care for them, they reached out to us hoping to give them a permanent safe home with other chicken friends to be with. We were happy to be able to take them in to provide them with love, safety and care for the rest of their lives. Piper is very sweet and is very observant. She enjoys spending time with her sisters, playing and napping in the bushes and being hand fed.

Walter was found wandering a neighborhood and ended up at animal control, unclaimed. One of our friends heard about him and picked him up after his stray hold was over at the shelter. Then when we got the call, we were happy to be able to take him in to offer him sanctuary.
He fit in with his hen pals, Ezekiel and Wednesday right away. He loves being their protector and being louder than Joey the rooster. Walter even won the vote for “Best Hair at Sage Mountain Sanctuary” this year!

Delhi, named after the city, is our newest resident and has been here about a month now. A friend of ours found her wandering around a farm neighborhood and no one claimed her when he tried to find her owner. He became concerned that if the neighboring farmer ended up taking her since no one would, her fate might not be kind. Wanting to ensure her safety, he reached out to us, knowing she'd have a good life at Sage Mountain.

Delhi loves exploring the sanctuary with the other hens and Joey the rooster. She also adores taking naps in the shade of the bushes and having a new family that loves her.  

Abigail was originally raised as a backyard hen. Unfortunately, a coyote attack claimed the lives of the other hens, leaving Abigail as the sole survivor. Recognizing her need for a new chicken family, Abigail's caretaker reached out to us. Abigail has a feisty spirit, undoubtedly honed from defending her friends and family during the coyote attack. Despite her ability to stand her ground, Abigail is incredibly friendly and sociable once she feels at ease.

Rosaline came to us almost 3 years ago, with her 3 sisters. After their caretaker passed away, they were being watched by her son. He reached out knowing they weren’t living their best lives, and asked if we could help. Luckily we had the available space to take them all in.

Since then, her sisters have sadly passed away. While we know that she misses them all dearly and that she grieved them all, she’s doing well now and even became besties with another hen, Penelope.

Rosaline enjoys spending time with Penelope, expressing how she feels with the cutest chirps, and relaxing in the presence of the other hens and Hei Hei the rooster.

Ariana (Ari) was found on the side of the road with her brother, Jeff — two tiny lives with an unknown past. She was bruised, frightened, and in need of gentle hands and time to heal. A compassionate foster stepped in, giving both siblings the safety and care they needed. Once they were finally strong enough, we were asked if we could give them a permanent home.