Tag Archives: animal sanctuary

The Wolf Hollow Quest: Paused, Not Abandoned

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A group of five gray wolves resting together on a snowy forest clearing, with one wolf standing while the others lie in the snow.

The Wolf Hollow Expedition Is Back on Hold

I’ve been exploring my options to visit Wolf Hollow. Wolf Hollow is a wolf sanctuary located in Ipswich, MA. It was conceived in 1988 and became a state‑ and federally‑licensed 501(c)3 non‑profit organization two years later. Wolf Hollow opened its gates to the public in September of 1990.

Discovering a Sanctuary Close to Home

I first became interested in Wolf Hollow when I was searching for a place to photograph wolves. I’d been to Yellowstone, where tourists sometimes get lucky enough to see wolf packs in the wild. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. I’ve seen gray wolves in zoos — they always looked so sad — but I still haven’t captured a photo that reveals the true wolf essence.

I heard of a sanctuary in New Jersey, but weather interfered with that trip, and then life got in the way. Closer to home, I learned about Wolf Hollow.

Transportation Troubles and the GoWithGuide Detour

Their website doesn’t provide ticket pricing, so I’ll need to do more research. Since Wolf Hollow is located in Ipswich, transportation is a challenge. I contacted GoWithGuide and was given the name of a Salem‑based guide. I emailed him with what I was looking for, but he chose to pass.

At this point, I think I’ll need to plan a car‑rental day.

Weather, Timing, and the Photography Challenge

As much as I hate the cold, I also think winter might be the best time for photos. With overcast skies, the lighting should be soft, and the wolves’ winter coats should be in full glory.

Checking on Wolf Conservation Status

I was concerned about the status of the sanctuary, since there seems to be a lot of turmoil in the conservation world these days. The Endangered Species Act is being slowly stripped and downgraded by the current administration. But my research showed that despite years of political back‑and‑forth over wolf protections, gray wolves are currently listed as endangered in most of the United States, including all of New England. Sanctuaries like Wolf Hollow continue to play an important role in education and conservation.

A February 10, 2022 federal court ruling reinstated ESA protections for most wolf populations after a previous nationwide delisting attempt. The 2026 USFWS update confirms that this protection remains in place.

Putting the Trip on Pause — Not Canceling It

So once again, my quest for a wolf portrait has to be delayed — but I’m not giving up. I’m just sidelining it for a bit until I can get all my ducks in a row.

Happy Earth Day

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A Day to Celebrate Our Shared Planet

Every April 22, the world pauses—just for a moment—to honor the only home we’ve ever known. Earth Day began in 1970 as a national call for environmental protection, but by 1990 it had grown into a global movement, with organized events in 141 countries and a shared understanding that caring for the planet is something we all hold in common.

The Photo That Changed How We See Earth

One of the sparks that helped shape the early environmental movement wasn’t a speech or a law. It was a photograph.

In 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission, astronaut Bill Anders captured the now‑iconic “Earthrise” image: our blue planet rising above the gray lunar horizon. Small. Bright. Fragile. That single picture changed how millions of people saw the world. It reminded us that everything we love—every ocean, every forest, every city, every memory—exists on this one shimmering sphere floating in the dark. It’s hard not to feel something when you look at it.

More than 50 years after it was shot, Earthrise continues to be seen as one of the most iconic environmental photographs ever taken.

Earthrise photo by Bill Anders

Earth Day Close to Home: The Forever Farm

Closer to home, Earth Day feels a little more grounded.

The Forever Farm holds a special place in my heart. It was founded by my friend — and former supervisor — Nichole Botelho, one of those rare people who turns life’s lemons into something far sweeter. When the pandemic brought an unexpected layoff, she didn’t shrink from it. She dreamed bigger. What started as a quiet idea she once mentioned to me has grown into a thriving sanctuary for farm animals who deserve a second chance.

Celebrate Earth Day With the Forever Farm

And these aren’t the typical “cute and cuddly” rescues you see on posters. Nichole opens her arms to donkeys and pigs, chickens and roosters, and even a miniature horse named Miracle. Watching her take a dream and build it into a place of safety, healing, and hope has been nothing short of inspiring. The Forever Farm is a reminder that caring for the planet isn’t just about oceans and forests — it’s also about the creatures who share our daily world.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Earth Day doesn’t ask us to be perfect. It simply asks us to pay attention. To notice the beauty around us. To care a little more today than we did yesterday. And to remember that even small choices — recycling, planting, supporting local farms, protecting green spaces — add up when millions of people make them together.

A Moment to Reflect and Recommit

So here’s to Earth Day.
To the big blue marble in the sky.
To the places we love.
And to the people, like Nichole, who turn compassion into action and make this planet a little kinder for all who call it home.

 

Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary

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Forever Farm

🐾 Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Donkeys

Nestled in the heart of the community, Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers more than just shelter—it’s a haven of healing for animals and humans alike. Founded by my former supervisor at Redfin, Forever Farm is the living, breathing realization of her long-held dream. Watching her vision come to life has been a joy, and seeing the sanctuary grow feels like witnessing hope take root.

🫏 Make Way for Donkeys

The farm is home to a delightful mix of residents: chickens, goats, pigs (Peppa, Pumba, and Wilma), a tiny horse named Miracle, a big-hearted horse named Toughy, and—perhaps most notably—a growing herd of donkeys. At last count, there were eight: Prima, Gally, Kong, Trevor, Jackson, Jinx, Star, and Sedona. Each one has its own story, personality, and place in the pasture.

There’s something about Forever Farm that seems to call to donkeys in need. Whether it’s their gentle nature or the sanctuary’s open-hearted mission, more seem to arrive each season. No matter the number, each donkey is showered with love, care, and the kind of attention that turns rescue into restoration.

Toughy & Miracle

Photo: Toughy and Miracle – courtesy of Forever Farm

🌿 Events That Bring the Community Together

Forever Farm isn’t just a sanctuary—it’s a vibrant gathering place. Families can celebrate birthdays, stretch into serenity with yoga classes, or join seasonal festivities like Earth Day, Halloween, and Christmas. A recent highlight was “Senior Day,” a heartwarming event for guests over 50.

In partnership with Healing Path Care Farm, Forever Farm also hosts child-focused programs like Little Mindful Farmers and Barnyard Buddies, blending education, empathy, and animal encounters.

💛 Powered by Passion

Forever Farm runs almost entirely on volunteer energy and generous donations. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. Whether you’re looking to support, visit, or simply spread the word, this sanctuary is a place where kindness lives—and where donkeys always seem to find their way home.

Learn more about how to support the animals at The Forever Farm here

May be an image of horse

Donkey Life at Forever Farm