At In Defense of Animals’ Freedom Farms, every year brings new stories of hope, healing, and community, with 2025 being no exception. From caring for our beloved residents to welcoming guests for events that blend joy with purpose, it’s been a year full of growth and gratitude.

Caring for Our Animal Family

This year, we proudly cared for nearly 40 rescued animals who call Freedom Farms home, including 25 cows, 6 peacocks, and 2 inseparable friends: Odie, a retired racehorse, and Eeyora, the donkey. Each of them reminds us why our work matters: to provide love, safety, and respect to every animal we can.

Building Partnerships for Compassion

We’re proud to have partnered with amazing mission-aligned organizations, including LUSH, The Vreamery, Central Coast Vegans, Vegans in Paradise, EcoSLO, and many others. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected community of animal advocates and sustainability champions across California’s Central Coast.

Fundraising with Fun & Purpose

From lively bi-weekly music bingo nights at Brightside Pizza that generated thousands of dollars in support, to our comedy and music fundraiser at Sweet Springs Saloon, we’ve seen how laughter and togetherness can bring about positive change.

We also had a blast tabling at SLO EarthFest, where hundreds of visitors stopped by our booth to meet our team, learn about Freedom Farms, and even help us choose names for some of our cows.

Community Event & Milestones at the Farm

'Freedom Farms also hosted a series of inspiring on-site events this year, including:

• A book signing with Miyoko Schinner for her latest release, The Vegan Creamery
• 'Our first-ever dinner fundraiser, welcoming nearly 50 guests to share a delicious plant-based meal under the stars
• A holiday community food drive to support neighbors in need

Progress & Plans for 2026

We made significant strides toward improving our animals’ daily lives by raising money toward key infrastructure projects we hope to complete in the near future, including building a covered barn and reinforcing the fencing for our cows. Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to:

• Complete both the barn and fence projects
• Launch an educational program for kids and adults
• Expand community and fundraising events across the Central Coast
• Grow our grassroots and digital campaigns to connect with more hearts and minds for animal rights

Thank You for Being Part of Our Story

Every event, partnership, and project at Freedom Farms is powered by people like you — our supporters, volunteers, and friends who believe in compassion without compromise. Together, we’re building a future where all animals are free to live in peace.

Learn more about the resident animals and the efforts we're making at our Creston-based sanctuary. 

Please consider donating to support educational tours, a cow shelter, and other special projects to grow the animal rights movement on California’s Central Coast.