Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

4.7 (202)

1208 County Rd 315, Melrose, FL 32666
(352) 262-7313
rooterville.org

Claimed
Non-profit organization
Animal park
Botanical garden
Farm
Farmstay
Gift shop
RV park
Wedding venue

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance

Reviews

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Ian Simon (BanhPi)

2024-04

We were there earlier today and had a lot of fun. We got a tour of the place, a lot of info about the animals( they have sad pasts) but it looks like everyone is very well taken care of and happy. Some of the residents came to check us out and we were a lot more popular with them once we had treats for them. We love what they do and hope it can continue for a long time. Thank you for giving us a great experience. We would have stayed a lot longer if it wasn't so hot out.

Erika Young

2024-05

An absolutely amazing place to bring the family or even go on a date! Elain was super sweet and it was very obvious that she has a passion for what she does and loves the animals. The gift shop was super cute and had everything you could want. Me and my family had an amazing time and will definitely go back next time we are in the area! Thank you for the unforgettable experience!

silvia hunkins

2024-04

Easy to.find. animals are well taken care of. When you walk in, you're greeted by dogs, turkey, and various types of pigs. The pasture holds ponies, a gigantic cow, other colors and smaller cows, and a highlands cow. They are all very used to people and are gentle. In the giftstore there's a ton of items to purchase both for memories or just because. There are so many original items. It's a peaceful place, and I just had an overall good feeling there. There's chickens and ducks, too. You can purchase cow and pig food. Again, all animals are kind and gentle. There's a small play area in the front when you first get into the gate. In front of the gift shop, there's a set of rocking chairs. Just sit a spell, bring a book, or just hang out with the animals. The money goes to upkeep of the farm. Here and there are educational materials on the typical farm experience, which is rather shocking. I will go back again. Thank you for a really sweet place to be and a calm, relaxing time.

Hope Chessel

2024-04

Our visit was magic! We were instantly greeted by a pack of hungry pigs who eagarly ate celery right out of our hands. We met turkeys, horses, cows, goats, dogs, a peacock and other animals.We enjoyed the interaction with these animals much more than our trips to the zoo, looking from far away, behind glass. This was truly an experience!

Jessica N. Kreitzer

2024-04

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Christine Dell

2023-12

This was an incredible place to visit! The staff was so friendly and informative! We took my son there for his birthday because he LOVES farm animals and this place exceeded expectations! Highly recommend for families with kids! Super thankful for the memories made here today!

Angela Gomez

2024-04

My husband found this place, and even though we only live 30 minutes away, we wanted to spend the night. We arrived early with bags of snacks for the animals. We were greeted by Scott (I think that was his name) who was super nice. Elaine came over a few minutes later and welcomed us like we were old friends. We spent the morning and afternoon roaming around feeding our new friends snacks and rubbing lots of bellies. Our wagon was ready early and Elaine made sure it was perfect! We sat by the pond, roamed some more, then had dinner in the wagon. Elaine stopped by to see if we were ready for some cow cuddles, which we definitely were! Elaine made sure we had a fun and safe experience. She happily answered all of our questions and told us the history of the cracker cows. It was the best way to end our evening. The wagon was cozy and the bed was so comfortable. It was a much needed break from a great deal of stress we have both been under. I left with sore cheeks from smiling the entire time. My only regret was that we were unable to figure out how to get Tinsel in the car to bring him home. We will be back soon!

Torsten Dreier

2024-03

OMG. This was the best little getaway for Valentine’s Day. Elaine and the staff are super friendly, the animals are well taken care off and love to interact with humans for a treat. The wagons are fantastic, spacious, well equipped and super clean.Enjoy some time cuddling with the cows (highly therapeutic and recommended). Walk the farm and interact with the cows, pigs, dogs, turkeys and more.Enjoy the evening outside your wagon with a cozy campfire in the fireplace. Listen to all kinds of animals in and around the sanctuary, including owls.Rooms: Conestoga wagon style room with comfortable bed, small sitting area, heat/ac, a full bathroom with standup shower, mini fridge, coffee maker and microwave.Noteworthy details: This is an animal sanctuary with free roaming animals, so be prepared for the occasional misstep into something squishy. The animals are friendly and treat driven. Bring apples and bananas, and they will be your best friend.Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for some unique and interesting souvenirs.

Robert Hartley

2024-04

We checked in an had an amazing time. Not only are the wagon rooms amazing!!! We got to interact with the animals, bring bananas!!!! Ms. Elaine and her staff are so accommodating and helpful. We highly recommend this for a night or two, especially if you are trying escape the busy citylife!!!Rooms: They were amazing and better than a luxury hotel.

Alan Beasley

2024-01

Came from Savannah and stayed two nights in the covered wagon and had a great time. Elaine and staff were awesome and we had a blast with all of the animals and just spending the day with them and feeding them all the snacks! The property is really nice and well kept and the covered wagons are very clean and nice as well. We will absolutely be back soon!

Dawn U

2024-01

I honestly can not say enough positive things about this place. My dream came true when my hubby booked us to stay 2 nights at the Sanctuary. Elaine is incredibly sweet,down to earth, and laid back. She was wonderful in the cow cuddling and let us roam as we wanted and always asked if we needed anything. The helping hand on the farm is attentive to the animals and seems like a very kind man. The animals are SO incredibly sweet. I looked forward to spending time with cows all my life and it didnt disappoint! We visited them often at the pasture fences, right near our wagon and it was wonderful seeing them when I woke up.Allbthe animal roam with lots of beautiful land to wonder. The land is well taken care of, wven the pig pens are so nicely kept for the animals to graze and enjoy. My husband and I got very close to the farm pups, especially Bear who welcomed us. Glitter was the 1st pig to greet us hello! Cookie the pig was our girl both days, she followed us around and warmed our hearts, she reminded me of our sweet dog we lost only a few months ago. To wake up and walk out with my coffee to the beautiful morning sight of pigs grazing, the small pond fountain going, and the cows chomping on their breakfast made me warm and fuzzy! The gift shop has lots of cute things and treats that all the animals can eat! The wagons are SO cozy,nicely decorated, and the ac/heat was great in it! It was the best 2 days I've had in a while. My heart needed some healing and this place really helped with that. We plan on returning every year. We were blessed with beautiful weather there both days.This trip will always be a core memory for me for the rest of my life. I hope to donate as often as we can afford to help and definitely visit every year. My hubby and I even discussed with each other possibly volunteering a day or two on the farm during our next stay. I wish we lived so much closer! I will miss this place and the peace it brought me!Rooms: The wagons are an absolutely sweet and cozy experience. They slept well and i loved the beautiful view in the mornings and the lights at night. There is no TV, but that is TOTALLY OK! It really pushes you to disconnect and enjoy the experience. The ac/heat were perfect. The showers a nice size and very clean and well kept.Walkability: The whole property is was free for roaming and enjoying by both of us and the animals. It was wonderful seeing the sweet animals roam.Noteworthy details: The whole stay was easy going and relaxing. We spent every moment just relaxing and feeding snacks we brought to feed the animals. Elaine was attentive to our needs and also let us do our own thing. It all exceeded my expectations in the experience. The pigs were such an unexpected joy to us. They all had their own personalities. I loved hugging on the goats, the troublemakers haha. My hubby even helped a volunteer with trimming their hooves. What an experience that was!

Dave Smith

2023-12

Volunteered here on Thanksgiving and had a blast here with the animals . Elaine made me feel very welcome ! This is a great place to come for a few hours , help out a great cause by making a donation and or helping out with whatever she needs to keep this sanctuary going , bring some food and get close to some wonderful animals .

ADA KJD

2024-04

Worst customer service, poor bedside manners, bad directions, no signage, you will get lost if you are driving at night you will end up in a neighboring estate with no way out, there is pig feces all over the place, no place to set up a tent or a tarp to spend the night stargazing or cuddling or whatever you paid to spend your free time won't waste your time and money. Find other place to stay.

Hailey J

2023-10

This is a must visit for animal lovers! We booked a cow cuddling session and actually arrived just in time to watch the pigs being fed as an added bonus. Brian walked us through the entire process and is very knowledgeable about all of the animals and their care. He knows them on a personal level as well and was able to tell us about their personalities. Keep in mind this is a vegan sanctuary so please be respectful if you plan to visit! Like the website says, this is the animals home and it really feels that way! We will definitely be back again!

Luke Wittig

2024-01

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Yari Sofia

2023-10

Best experience. My boyfriend took me to do the cow cuddling activity and I absolutely loved it. The employees are amazing and the animals are so well taken care of. Most of them are able to roam around. I got to pet and feed cows, horses, pigs, cats, dogs, goats. They have a butterfly garden where we saw beehives and freshly born butterflies out of their cacoons. and they have cutest gift shop. I didn’t think there would be much to do but we spent a good 4 hours with the animals and roaming around the sanctuary.

Elizabeth Carnley

2023-11

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Juan Gonalez

2023-11

My wife and I have been RVing for a few yparkspears now. Lately RV parks have been packed, reservations have to be made well in advance and are packing units in like sardines and often tines rests behind a noisy highway or train tracks. And then their is Rooterville. What better place to camp, quiet, peaceful and not just a sanctuary for the animals but for people too. Upon arrival we were well greeted by the owner, staff and all the furry friends on the farm. The best welcoming committee I've ever encountered. The owner and staff are so friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about their rescued farm animals. Very educational. Did you know that pigs keep venomous snakes away? Left feeling rested, recharged and with a profound appreciation for mother nature and all of our furry friends. Will definitely be back and would recommend to anyone. Quite a memorable experience.

Rachael Stadterman

2023-11

What a special place this is-- Loved visiting with all the animals who call this place home-- especially the pigs. I had no idea how friendly they are! The sanctuary itself is amazing and the dedication these folks have to their animals is so very obvious...

Eric Lopez

2023-10

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Ryan Rogge

2023-08

Great place, most of the animal were easy to feed. One of the brand new pigs gave my daughter a tiny scratch. We should have tried to feed the pig first before she did(Parenting fail). The staff was so nice and we will be back!

Madeline Del Sol

2023-08

I stayed 2 night in the wagons at Rooterville with my husband and our 2 girls. We stayed in one and our girls stayed in the other. The wagons are so cute! And yes they have a nice cold AC and bathroom with shower, sink, toilet and hot water. As much as I love nature I have no desire to camp in a tent with no amenities , so this glamping experience was definitely a way to be able to get the feeling of camping but with my modern amenities and comfort. It was so nice to get away to the country, watch the sun go down and a listen to the chorus of the night and to wake to the beautiful ducks , nature and pond with a fountain. I turn into a little kid around animals, so I was in heaven. I took a bunch of bananas and apples and enjoyed feeding the pigs, horses, cows….and saw goats , peacocks and turkeys as well. It was impressive to see how the grounds were so clean, well maintained and flyless (especially in the middle of a super hot and humid summer). Elaine has created such a paradise for these beautiful fur/feathered souls. May God rain many blessings on her. The animals roam around freely and look so happy. I will definitely find time to come back whenever I can and will also donate as often as I can and support this beautiful cause by shopping at her online store. I hope more people become aware of this gem.

Marissa Hernandez

2023-10

This place is nothing short of amazing. At first when we pulled up we were skeptical but after meeting the owner and getting to our wagon we were sold. Then we had the privilege of getting close with one of their farm dogs named Bear. I always miss my animals when we’re away, Bear spent every moment we were on the property, with us. He did a great job protecting us from our “enemies”. Literally the only thing you hear out here, is the animals. Bear and his brother liked to howl at night. I was tickled by that because none of my dogs howl. In the morning we’d hear the rooster(s?) and baby ducks in the pond in front of our wagon. Something about farm noises that really soothe the soul. There are pigs everywhere. They’ll greet you and then go on their way. As if the animals weren’t enough, we stayed in a wagon. Like an Oregon trail wagon! It was air conditioned and super comfortable. I’ve never slept on a bed other than my own without waking up sore and that didn’t happen here. There’s barely a bar of cell signal out there and there is no tv or WiFi, it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Rooterville is located in the middle of nowhere and it is QUIET. This is THE BEST “hotel” I have EVER stayed at. The best people, the best animals, the best place. You will not regret staying here I promise you.Rooms: There is NO tv!Safety: The farm dogs do the best job protecting the farm and everything and everyone in it.Noteworthy details: This is a farm animal rescue sanctuary. Don’t let the outside turn you away. Go in. Meet the owner. Meet the animals

Estrella Rios

2023-05

This place has always stayed in my heart. As a short term volunteer it was very hard work to make many make this place presentable for visitors. The cleaning, feeding, watering and make sure some get there medication and are warm on cold winter nights. But even though it was hard work I enjoyed my time with all the animals. It was worth it and if I didn't have to work 2 jobs I would love spending time with animals. Whether feeding them or cleaning their eating area to keep them healthy. It's a very peaceful peaceful place I definitely recommend volunteering!

Dylan Nuttall

2024-01

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Brandi Dupre

2023-05

This is one of my favorite places in the world. Since finding Rooterville, I've been back several times and it truly never gets old.The animals are well cared for and the staff are always happy to answer questions and share stories about them. The farm itself is a beautiful, peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of city life, with the opportunity to freely interact with several different types of animals.We have not stayed overnight in the RV or Wagons but we toured them the last time we were there and they are beautiful accommodations!If you're within driving distance, stop by and visit or consider spending a night here instead of a bland hotel in the city.

Joseph West

2023-12

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Olivia Clements

2023-09

Heaven on earth is real. I saw it at rooterville. Hearing the stories of the various sweet souls living on that farm was even more eye-opening than I anticipated. The workers there are so very kind and patient, and the property is so peaceful. I will be visiting again and I WILL bring bananas for Tinsel.

Tammi S

2023-07

A wonderful experience! We stayed in a wagon overnight and it was awesome! All the animals there were saved from imminent death.. Thanks to Elaine, the owner, for taking them all in and loving them endlessly 💛🐮🐖

Kelly Eposito

2023-06

Elaine really helped me tremendously when my Ollie was sick and needed his Hooves trimmed. What she does for the pig and animal community is amazing. I would encourage anyone and everyone to go to rooterville and see the amazing job she has done saving these animals' lives.

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