Most Pittsburghers flock to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium or venture a little further to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park to spend a day with the animals. But, less than a half an hour from downtown, a different kind of adventure awaits at a sprawling farm sanctuary near Pittsburgh.

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary in Sewickley has rescued unwanted, abused, and neglected farm animals since 2011.

Inspired by her work helping domestic pets, particularly preventing overpopulation when spaying and neutering, veterinarian Karen Phillips began her fight to rescue and to provide a safe haven for farm animals...

...Some of whom had been impulse purchases later surrendered to local shelters unable to properly care for them.

A native Vermonter, Phillips spent four years searching for the ideal spot for the sanctuary.

Today, Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary spans more than seven acres and features a manmade pond, a chicken house complete with solar lighting and an expansive barn.

Funded solely by donations, the farm animal sanctuary also has its own vegetable garden and rain barrels.

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary works closely with animal shelters and humane agencies to rescue neglected, abused, and unwanted farm animals.

Current residents at the sanctuary include alpine goats, a mini horse, emus, alpacas, llamas, pigs, sheep, turkeys, roosters, peacocks, geese, chickens, and ducks.

You never know who you'll run into at Hope Haven, which offers educational tours by appointment from May through October.

Meet the residents on your guided tour of the farm sanctuary, which also features a picturesque walking trail, and discover the inspirational stories that led to their rescue and rehabilitation.

Inspired to do more than visit the farm sanctuary? Join one of the monthly volunteer sessions that run May from October, donate funds or items from the wish list, assist in fundraising, or...

Attend one of the many events in which Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary participates each year. The sanctuary's upcoming Fall Festival, for example, is slated for Sunday, October 30 at 3:30 p.m. The highlight of the event is a screening of the new film "Called to Rescue."

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary near Pittsburgh, and other animal sanctuaries throughout Pennsylvania, welcome visitors to meet the residents, to tour their grounds, and to learn more about the plight of abused animals.

Address:

2506 Wexford Bayne Road

Sewickley, PA 15143

412-366-1187