.Farm Animals Get New Lease on Life at West Marin Sanctuary

After Miyoko Schinner, an award-winning chef who started a vegan cheese company, bought a house and barn on 16.5 acres of land in Nicasio, animals in need kept showing up. First came Reggie and Rufus, the two “OGs,” or original goats.

Three potbellied pigs, Aragon, Onyx and Oxy, followed. Then came a cow. Soon, Schinner decided that instead of simply taking in farm creatures referred by animal sanctuaries, she would open her own nonprofit refuge. In 2015, Rancho Compasión was born.

Over the last decade, they have rescued more than 500 animals. Currently, 115 farm animals live at Rancho Compasión, which is neither a ranch nor a petting zoo. All animals at the sanctuary receive lifetime resident status. No matter what unfortunate circumstances they come from and what quirks they bring with them, the animals spend their remaining years in the refuge’s care.

“Each animal here has a pretty big story,” said Caroline Singleton, Rancho Compasión’s director. “Most of our residents come from various situations, like the 4-H program or Future Farmers of America, as well as factory farming. Many are backyard birds that were neglected—hoarding situations.”

The menagerie includes llamas, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. Cats and dogs also garner resident status, sometimes based on achievement.

“The dogs are actually Miyoko’s,” Singleton said. “Koan, a mixed breed dog, saved one of our roosters from a bobcat. So, he’s very much involved with the operations down here.”

Almost always near capacity, the sanctuary allows the residents to roam and forage freely on the property, giving them the opportunity to forge unique relationships with other species. Singleton explains that allowing them to coexist sets Rancho Compasión apart from similar organizations.

“It makes it difficult during the springtime, when hormones are flying,” she said. “Sometimes we have to separate a few of the birds, but other than that, everybody really just figures it out on their own. We have a donkey and a pig that really get along well.”

Then there’s the interspecies romance between Echo, a goose, and Angel, a cow. As a smaller animal, Echo sleeps in a house at night. Upon exiting the house in the morning, he runs up the hillside to greet Angel, and they forage together. Anyone who tries to get close to the cow will have a Chinese duck gently attacking—nibbling—their feet.

“Echo’s warning you,” Singleton said. “This is my lady. Stand back.”

Rancho Compasión’s four-person staff, three full-timers and one part-time employee, have their hands full caring for possessive Echo and more than 100 other residents. But the team members wear many hats, coordinating additional activities at the sanctuary.

They prioritize children’s educational programs and are especially proud of their service to kids from vulnerable communities.The sanctuary also has a large organic garden that grows enough produce to donate to San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s food drive and a few community fridges. At a special fundraiser next month, the nonprofit will serve their own produce for 200 guests.

On Nov. 15, Rancho Compasión celebrates its 10-year anniversary with Cirque du Sanctuary, their first ever gala. The event includes a cornucopia of vegan food and entertainment by aerialists, flow artists, a magician and a live band.

“Why not make humans the circus?” Singleton asked.

A limited number of tickets remain for Cirque du Sanctuary. For more info or to buy tickets, visit givebutter.com/c/JRsQlT.