Located 10 miles from Park City, Sage Mountain Sanctuary is more than just a haven for rescued farm animals. As a nonprofit organization, it also provides advocacy to promote the well-being of animals. Residents at the sanctuary include pigs, cows, chickens, goats, and sheep, who are given the opportunity to live in a peaceful and loving environment. 

Lauren Lockey and Dave Swartz are the compassionate founders of Sage Mountain, established in 2013. Passionate about spreading awareness of the environmental implications of consuming animals, they started with a small shelter on their property in Browns Canyon. The first two residents, two endearing pigs, still reside there today. With access to 100 acres for their cow friends to roam and 10 acres for others to traverse, Sage Mountain is currently at capacity with 42 animals.

“It has turned into a place where people come out and volunteer and realize that these animals are really ‘feeling’ beings,” Lockey says. “For example, our goats are from a 4-H program in California; those kids were really connected to those animals and did not want them to go off to auction, so they contacted us.” 

Amid the incredible work done to rescue and care for various animals, there have been a few particularly heartwarming incidents, including when some creatures arrived with a surprise package: babies in their bellies. The sanctuary’s dedicated team was thrilled to assist in the delivery of piglets and brought these new families under their loving care. During the journey from skittishness to trust and comfort, the animals and humans formed an incredible bond.

“I have always loved animals and had a special connection to them that is very relatable for a lot of us,” Lockey says. 

How to Get Involved 

Those looking to engage with Sage Mountain Sanctuary can participate in a guided tour of the sanctuary, attend a weekly Wine Down yoga class (45 minutes of yoga al fresco, followed by sips and a stroll through the sanctuary), or join a group volunteer session on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit sagemtn.org for more information and to sign up.