Rooterville, A Sanctuary, is located near Gainesville, Florida, about one and a half hours from Jacksonville, Florida (where The Girls Gone Green is headquartered).
So, we grabbed our boots and our friends, and our friends of friends and hit the road to tour the sanctuary and lend a hand for the day!
So, we grabbed our boots and our friends, and our friends of friends and hit the road to tour the sanctuary and lend a hand for the day!
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Our volunteer day and vegan potluck took place Nov. 25. Heading to the sanctuary on Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate "ThanksLIVING," it was very impactful to interact with the rescued animals who call the sanctuary home – many species of which just took center stage on the majority of American's dinner plates.
In addition to the main residents, the pigs, the sanctuary also has rescue goats, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cows and more. But the sanctuary took its mission one step further. In addition to rescuing abused or neglected animals with no where else to go, they do something The Girls Gone Green is 100 percent behind: they promote and encourage the vegan lifestyle. So vegans and non-vegans alike gathered after pitching in with the work, giving everyone a chance to sample delicious plant-based recipes. A perfect way to end the day!
In addition to the main residents, the pigs, the sanctuary also has rescue goats, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cows and more. But the sanctuary took its mission one step further. In addition to rescuing abused or neglected animals with no where else to go, they do something The Girls Gone Green is 100 percent behind: they promote and encourage the vegan lifestyle. So vegans and non-vegans alike gathered after pitching in with the work, giving everyone a chance to sample delicious plant-based recipes. A perfect way to end the day!
Vegan Potluck – yum!!
 The sanctuary has an enclosed picnic space with a play area fof the children, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The space can be rented for parties or events. Outside, there is an additional seating area under a canopy. |  After our volunteer shift, we gathered in the picnic space for our vegan potluck! So many delicious dishes! |
Rooterville pamphlets
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If you need some inspiration for some plant-based recipes to throw your own vegan potluck or if you’re just looking for some healthy eats, download the “Recipes from the Rooterville Kitchen” recipe book. |
But let's back up a bit. What exactly is Rooterville?
Rooterville was founded in 2004 by Elaine West. The sanctuary, sprawling 30-acres of land, tucked away in a secluded area, truly is that – not only a sanctuary in the sense of a place for rescued animals to live, but a place that all beings, can come and reflect and enjoy sentient beings and serene landscape. The animals roam freely amongst the property.
Today, more than 300 animals call the sanctuary home, including pot-bellied and farm pigs, goats, turkeys, chickens, cows, dogs and cats!
There’s even a butterfly garden, planted in honor of Stella, the first farm pig that came to live at Rooterville. Stella fell from a truck on her way to a slaughter house. She died in 2014, but got to experience what life was like away from cruel factory farm conditions.
The animals who come to the sanctuary are often abused, abandoned or neglected. Many of the residents are former “teacup pigs” who end up growing much larger than the breeder promised. Teacup pigs are a myth. In order for the pigs to stay small, breeders will recommend virtually starving the pigs. (Read more about teacup pigs here).
Other pigs end up at the sanctuary for various reasons. Space and mischievousness, not to mention home owners association rules and zoning laws are just some of the reasons pigs end up at the sanctuary. Pigs can be difficult to care for, if you don’t know what you’re in for. With the intelligence equivalent to a 3-year-old child, a pig’s lifespan is about 20 years and they aren’t fully grown until they are three years old.
Rooterville was founded in 2004 by Elaine West. The sanctuary, sprawling 30-acres of land, tucked away in a secluded area, truly is that – not only a sanctuary in the sense of a place for rescued animals to live, but a place that all beings, can come and reflect and enjoy sentient beings and serene landscape. The animals roam freely amongst the property.
Today, more than 300 animals call the sanctuary home, including pot-bellied and farm pigs, goats, turkeys, chickens, cows, dogs and cats!
There’s even a butterfly garden, planted in honor of Stella, the first farm pig that came to live at Rooterville. Stella fell from a truck on her way to a slaughter house. She died in 2014, but got to experience what life was like away from cruel factory farm conditions.
The animals who come to the sanctuary are often abused, abandoned or neglected. Many of the residents are former “teacup pigs” who end up growing much larger than the breeder promised. Teacup pigs are a myth. In order for the pigs to stay small, breeders will recommend virtually starving the pigs. (Read more about teacup pigs here).
Other pigs end up at the sanctuary for various reasons. Space and mischievousness, not to mention home owners association rules and zoning laws are just some of the reasons pigs end up at the sanctuary. Pigs can be difficult to care for, if you don’t know what you’re in for. With the intelligence equivalent to a 3-year-old child, a pig’s lifespan is about 20 years and they aren’t fully grown until they are three years old.
What is Rooterville?
Watch this short video to learn more about the sanctuary!
We spent the day helping fluff hay in shelter areas and place fresh, new hay where needed. You see, the pigs like the hay "just so." And we were warned not to be too surprised if while poking at the hay, a pig or two might rise out of hiding. The hay-laying was in preparation for a cold snap. (Yes, for all those not from the Sunshine State, it does indeed dip into freezing temps in Northeast Florida!) Gotta keep those piggies warm!
The pigs like the hay piled high on the sides and back of the enclosures so they can dive head first into the piles and nestle down for the night.
The pigs like the hay piled high on the sides and back of the enclosures so they can dive head first into the piles and nestle down for the night.
Not just pigs!
It's not just pigs who call Rooterville home. The sanctuary also has rescue goats, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cows and more! Click here to read more animal stories!
We had a great day at the sanctuary and hope you visit it sometime soon or support the sanctuary with monetary or physical donations. The sanctuary is always looking for volunteers!
Food for Thought: signage around the sanctuary explains the plight of factory-farmed animals and its environmental and ethical impact.
Ways you can help
Wish List Donations Since our visit took place during the winter season, the main focus was keeping the animals warm and protected from the elements. We asked those attending the volunteer day to consider bringing a donation, and we were thrilled with how much we ended up collecting! Thank you to all who donated! At the time of our visit, the no. 1 most needed item was comforters. Here are a few other items the sanctuary requested:
Rooterville's full wish list. | Rooterville's Winter Hay Drive At least two semi-trucks full of hay and 20 rolls of hay are needed this winter to keep the animals warm. Rooterville's Hay Winter Drive runs through Jan. 31, 2018. Donation amounts:
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Other Ways You Can Help:
Upcoming Rooterville Event:
Pig Yoga at Rooterville! Jan. 6, 2018 from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 pp. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit the Facebook event page. Space is limited; must RSVP.
View the slideshow to see all the photos from our volunteer day!
A Final Thought (courtesy of a sign at the sanctuary)
Rooterville is located at 5579 Darwood St., Melrose, FL 32666. For more information, call (386) 661-2287, email elaine@rooterville.org or visit www.rooterville.org.
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