Forest Animal Rescue by Peace River Refuge & Ranch

I have watched and participated in the process of the fantastic growth of the Forest Animal Rescue. The dedication that Lisa and Kurt have for the animals in their care is most impressive. When talking with them one can feel the love for these animals that must remain dependent on human interaction. When some of these animals came to Forest Animal Rescue, I didn't think they even had a chance to recover from their neglect. But with the knowledge and experience that Lisa and Kurt have, these beautiful animals respond in the most surprising ways. They become more interested (and relaxed) and no longer need to fear being mistreated.

Forest Animal Rescue is an amazing Sanctuary. Their first priority is caring for the animals. If you are looking for a TRUE ACCREDITED SANCTUARY, look no further. Check out their website for more details about how they work.

Once again I've had the opportunity to visit Forest Animal Rescue and every time I'm amazed at the respect and nurturing given to all of these wonderful animals. The staff of volunteers are beyond caring and knowledgeable and I learn something amazing and take away a lesson every time.
If you want to have a true understanding of what a true Sanctuary is and should be, then do yourself a favor and sign up for a tour. It's an enlightening educational experience.

They are transparent in their care and actions with the animals. They provide education on all the species they have. I look forward to their posts every day because they are upbeat and educational.

Amazing facility with very caring workers and owners. They are truly a rescue that care about the animals welfare and don't put them on show for people.

They have helped so many animals! I will continue to send Donations to this caring Sanctuary!

Loved it, still day dream about going back one day!

Amazing place with a dedicated group of people who work hard every day to make sure these rescued animals are happy and healthy.

My daughter came to volunteer with you many years ago you gave her an experience she will never forget thank you

I have know the founders and operators for many years. They are extremely dedicated to the recovery of these animals and direct every penny to their cause. Every charity should be following their example!

Forest Animal Rescue is an amazing true sanctuary. The founders Kurt and Lisa Stoner, their staff, interns and established volunteers are tirelessly devoted to providing all the animals rescued, the best lifetime care in as natural an environment as possible. The animals are given daily enrichment and are healthy and happy. The commitment, love and care given to all the animals is wonderful and inspiring. I am truly honored to volunteer at such a caring sanctuary!

Shannon Geis

Unbelievably well run with a good grasp of the “Big Picture” I doing the best for animals!!
Proud to work with them!!!

Barry Kellogg VMD

I’ve followed FAR for years, donating and supporting their good work. The care they give the animals is absolutely amazing. They truly want the animals to be animals, not roadside attractions. But they also provide enrichment and top of the line care. I would give FAR 10 stars if I could.

A well run organization. Lisa has been extremely helpful and her friendly attitude makes it a pleasure to correspond with her.
I will continue to donate to the Forest Animal Rescue because of the good the are doing for animals

Lovely charity! I volunteered with them back in 2011 and had a great time. All the animals were really well looked after

I was an intern at Forest Animal Rescue for 9 months. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I wanted to gain experience working with animals, particularly wildlife to help make a decision on what career path I wanted to take. I made life long friends and learned so much while I was there. The work they are doing for these animals is amazing. The animals are rescued from terrible conditions and given a place where they can be at peace. It is a true sanctuary for these animals. If you have the opportunity to visit, volunteer or donate to their work please do!

I spent some time volunteering with this organization when they were in Zolfo Springs. I cannot say enough about the incredible dedication Kurt and Lisa have for these animals. The new location in the forest I had gotten to visit in its early stages and I was blown away. Amazing people doing amazing things! The animals they rescue are so well cared for and they all of their stories.

I operate a Big Cat Sanctuary in Eureka Springs, AR. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and have worked with Kirt and lisa Stoner on a couple of projects, Forest Animal Rescue by Peace River Refuge and Ranch took some of the Tigers and a couple of bear when we took over a breeding, dealing, cub petting park in Colorado in 2016. The animals have done great under their care. They are loving their lives in Florida. We rescued 2 tigers in 2020 from Florida that were involved in a lawsuit with PETA and we were named the receivers and Lisa and Kirt brought out their staff and interns to help us load the tigers once sedated. Lisa is on our Finance Committee for the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance and she has done a great job helping us with grant prospects.

I volunteered two years ago in this fantastic sanctuary who cares and helps all kind of animals in needs. Helping them of getting better and offering them a second chance and life. It was great chance working there as a volunteer and it is a chance that a place like this exists for animals.

FAR is a life saver for animals by far the best people taking care of them...I' ve been donating to them for awhile. Please help them.

They traveled all the way to Northern NY from Florida to rescue two female Black Bears from a closed Theme Park. If they had not the bears would have been put down. Molly and Dolly lived many years with them in a natural habitat with the best of care and all a bear could wish for. They kept people updated on their lives which for the locals who tried our best to care for them after the park closed meant a lot

I stayed with and volunteered for Lisa and Kurt for 2 months and was completely blown away by their dedication to the animals and the ranch. The welfare of the animals is at the forefront of everything they do and my experience of working with them is something I will always treasure.

Forest Animal Rescue's mission has been to provide a sanctuary for rescued wildlife that cannot be returned to the wild. They receive no funds from any state or federal entity, supporting their work with volunteers ad donations from supporters. They have relocated once despite the cost as it was detrimental to the animals to remain where they were. They have weathered storm damage and other vicissitudes and come back stronger.
I have been a monthly donor for several years now and I could not imagine a better use of that money.

I met Lisa and Kurt 20 years ago and visited them in Zolpho Springs where they had their sanctuary. My partner and I adopted a horse from them who had gone through one of our notorious hurricanes. I have seen their love for the animals, but almost more importantly I have seen the work they have done so fearlessly for the animals. I have chosen to support them because they know they are making a difference every day for these animals. I love them both and respect them even more.

I have just come back home to the UK from volunteering at FAR for 4 weeks and loved every second of it! Kurt, Lisa and Miranda are extremely compassionate about the animals under their care and work extremely hard for their animals. They were all very friendly, helpful and welcoming and would always point me in the right direction if I was unsure about something. I loved all of the animals at the sanctuary, there were some right characters there (like Rebel, Chief and Roy). I loved working with each and everyone. Unfortunately I was there for the passing of Timber the wolf but I know that everything that could have been done for her was done - a very sad time. The sanctuary itself is very well maintained with very good facilities and is kept very tidy. The enclosures for the animals were perfect because they had plenty of open space and the enclosures themselves were well maintained. The two interns that I worked with were fantastic and showed me the best places to eat in Ocala!! I stayed in the male intern house which was great and only five minutes away from the sanctuary. I really hope I can go back and do it all again in the future!!

James

This is such an amazing place! This is a real sanctuary run by people who LOVE these (and ALL) animals! These animals have been truly rescued and now can live out their lives stress free in nurturing environments that they deserve. Without people like Lisa and Kurt these, and other animals, would be bred for fur, enjoyment, as personal pets and otherwise miserable lives. They are true to the animals and true to their hearts. These wild animals that had not been able to live their lives correctly, because of humans, now are in a true sanctuary living as happy as they could possibly be. Hearing where these animals were rescued from and then seeing how they are living and behaving now, stress free, brought tears of joy to my eyes and through my heart. Kurt and Lisa are inspiring on such a deep level. If only everyone had a fraction of their compassion, sanctuaries wouldn't even be needed. I am thankful for their compassion and love of animals and they truly make a difference in the world for animals that have had lives ruined by humans, until being rescued by the sanctuary.

Such a great place, the animals look so happy and healthy and the people are wonderful.

This is a top notch rescue. They do what is best for the animals in their care and do not exploit them for money. They offer great enrichment so that they can thrive as they would in wild.

I wholeheartedly support this rescue group for all the good work they do. The animals are kept in a clean environment and the founder has gone thru so much to give the animals a happy home,

The main reason I like this rescue is that the people that run it are so conscientious, compassionate and diligent in their care of the animals. They work very hard to continually educate themselves to ensure the safety and protection of their wards.
Bravo, say I!

I met Lisa and Kurt a couple of months ago and they told me their inspiring story.
What theyre doing is not simply rescuing animals but they are providing a forever home for these unfortunate animals.
For them its all about the animals.....unlike some facilities there is no breeding and the interaction with humans is kept to a minimum so these animals can live out the rest of their lives as comfortable and close to their natural habitat as possible.
This is a work of love and it shows

I have volunteered with Lisa and Kurt on three different occasions. I am unable to return at the present time, but make sure that I support them with donations. I cannot express how truly heart warming it was to be with two people who devote their lives to the loving care of these beautiful animals. I will never forget my volunteer experiences with them, and hope that life finds me able to return. Please, if you can donate or volunteer, do not hesitate to do so! Your life will be better for it!

Peace River Refuge & Ranch is a truly unique place. Their #1 concern is the welfare of the animals in their care. The enclosures are large enough that the animals are able to live in an environment similar to the wild. The care is outstanding. Having volunteered there 10 years ago, I am still so invested in what they are up to. They provide interns and volunteers with once in a life time experiences and memories they hold forever!

I have visited Forest Animal Rescue and was totally impressed by the habitats created for the animals they take in. FAR does a great job in providing all the living space needed for the different species. The commitment to the animals' well-being is impressive. You can see they really care about providing these guys all they need to live a happy life!

Excellent facilities and animal care.
An interesting and all-encompassing volunteering experience also.

Had the opportunity to see some amazing animals being the wild creatures they are in the best setting ! Looking forward to visiting again soon !

I have known the owners of Forest Animal Refuge and Ranch for 20 years. They are dedicated to the animals they rescue as this is their life. They care about the animals and have put their heart and soul into helping animals in need. If I lived closer, I would volunteer there!

An amazing, true sanctuary for animals. They never exploit their animals and do everything they can to give these animals the life they deserve, full of enrichment, fear-free treatment, healthy diet, and veterinary care. They have room to roam and to express their natural habits. We need more sanctuaries like this! True sanctuaries. Have no fear donating to FAR, your money is well spent helping the animals. I have supported them for years and have no regrets!

Will not except my exotic " Fox" unless I pay " THOUSANDS " for the enclosure.
YOU WOULD THINK A PLACE LIKE THIS THAT HOUSES DANGEROUS CATS AND BEARS , THAT GETS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF TAX FREE DONATIONS WOULD HAVE MATERIAL AND RESOURCES TO HANDLE A ANIMAL THATS THE SIZE OF A CAT.

THIS IS NOT A RESCUE......THIS IS EXTORTION !

I volunteered here in 2013 and the work Kurt & Lisa had completed at that time and were planning to complete was absolutely amazing! They are two incredible people that are changing the lives of so many animals.

I spent a week volunteering at Forest Animal Rescue and it honestly was the greatest experience I have ever had. You learn so much about these animals and why this is a true sanctuary. The owners and staff are extremely nice and helpful, overall this place truly is outstanding with their care and passion of animal welfare.

SAVING/RESCUING LIVES OF ABUSED ANIMALS , GIVING THEM A LOVING BACK TO THE WILD LIFE. NEVER TO FEAR HUMANS OR DANGER AGAIN. SO AWESPME. THANK YOU

Forest Animal Rescue does great work. They have a passion for the animals they take care of and have been doing so for I think 28 years.

Their regret is not being able to take care of more animals.

Please support their efforts.

So few places genuinely care and make sure all the animals are taken care of plenty of space and protection from a horribly cruel, inhuman world

This is what a TRUE sanctuary should be and is ! I've had the opportunity to visit Forest Animal Rescue numerous times and with each trip I learn more and more about these amazing animals. I'm able to observe these beautiful creatures without them feeling threatened by humans invading their safe space. Lisa is a wealth of knowledge so grab the family, plan a visit and see for yourself...and ask questions. I'll be visiting again soon !

My 2 sons and I had such and amazing experience here. Our favorite part as a family was being able to see these animals in a more natural setting for them, and not a zoo. We loved hearing the back stories of each animal, and our visit there went a long way in teaching my boys the importance of being responsible when it comes to having an animal.

Wonderful peopl dedicated to the best lives and care for the animals.

Forest Animal Rescue is the best place for needy animals to come to retire. They will not be bothered as if they were in a zoo or on exhibit. They deserve a quiet peaceful place to live out the remainder of their lives especially after all that they have endured before coming to Forest Animal Rescue. I know that the personnel running this rescue would love to go out of business, but as long as there are animals in need they will try to do all they can to help.

I was able to see the sanctuary in January. I am always amazed how well run it is. Such a beautiful place where the animals can spend the rest of their lives just being animals. Many of them were abused or neglected before they arrived. It is wonderful this place exists.

Forest Animal Rescue is a beacon of light and a true model of how our Nation should interact with wildlife. Their love, dedication, and respect to the animals that are in their permanent care, in inspirational. The manner in which they work to rehabilitate and care Black Bears, intended for release, is to the standard that other facilitates should be taught. I had the pleasure of volunteering, as an inter from Ohio, at the facility and miss it regularly. I currently teach and regularly utilize my experience there and their Facebook and webpage in my classroom. I cannot praise them enough for what they do!

Well kept facility that takes excellent care of the animals.

Forest Animal Rescue has helped so many animals. I have my FB page set so that every time I log into Face Book the very first thing I see is a video of the amazing animals they have rescued.

This truly is a sanctuary for animals, large and small, that have led previous lives of unpleasant captivity. They do a great job!

Keep up the great work you are doing with all those beautiful animals! They all are so very happy and well cared for.

Never seen a more organized place, Lisa and Kirk know how to keep everything moving forward and taking great care of all the animals. Good job!!

Co-founder and VP Lisa Stoner has been an advocate for animals since she was a kid. This refuge is truly focused on the best-interest of the animals; it is not a zoo or a money-making operation. We don't usually think of big animals like tigers and bears as helpless, but once people have control of them, they become helpless in that they are unable to feed, protect, or advocate for themselves - they are at the mercy of people who may not be able to care for them properly. Forest Animal Rescue saves animals that would otherwise be destroyed. Often these animals have endured years of poor conditions before arriving at the sanctuary. The refuge is serious about the responsibilities they assume when accepting a rescue animal. Once Lisa has them, the rescued animals have excellent care in a spacious habitat for the rest of their lives.

Amazing people, doing amazing work, not sure what else there is to know

An incredibly worthwhile animal rescue and rehab sanctuary run by the most dedicated people. Giving animals that man has screwed up another chance in life. These guys are the best!

I had the opportunity to bring a group of Ohio State students to Forest Animal Rescue by Peace River Refuge and Ranch to help build some of the new animal habitats. The commitment that Lisa and Kurt have to care for these animals is unmatched. They are always doing what is best and looking out not only for the animals in their care, but the larger community that cares for rescued and abandoned animals. In an ideal world there would not be a need for the service the refuge provides, but while the need exists, I am forever thankful that Lisa and Kurt have found the passion to serve.

I am a student at CMU and came to the sanctuary to volunteer my time to help the animals that live here. It was an amazing experience and the people here are amazing too. They gave up their lives to help save these animals and to give them a better life. They want to save as many animals as they can and they are truly doing God’s work here at the Forest Animal Rescue.

Great place! You can tell the animals are well taken care of and very happy