PEAK Animal Sanctuary was founded in 2012 as a nonprofit in Salem, Indiana, by Michelle and Mark Pruitt to rescue farm animals from entering food production houses. PEAK stands for People, Earth, and Animals in Kinship, which represents their mission to allow animals to live their lives free of cruelty and slaughter.
The sanctuary is home to pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, goats, and a few cats. Rayann Sanchez took over in 2018 and has continued to keep the barn doors open for 49 residents who currently live on the property.
Sanchez worked in animal humane societies in Illinois for about 13 years before deciding to take the job as they relocated to Freedom, Indiana. Her longtime friend, Maria Schau, came to visit the property and instantly knew they would want to take on the challenge. They both joined PEAK the same year and have dedicated their lives to caring for the animals and promoting a vegan lifestyle.
The animals who live at PEAK have to be approved and voted upon by the board, as there are only so many spaces available on the property to ensure the animals are living in quality conditions. Several animals came from neglectful environments.
Twiggy, a goat, was rescued from a cruelty situation from Salem, Indiana, where he was kept in a small stall for over a year. Two pigs, Fabio and Fiona, were picked up off the road after falling out of a semi-truck trailer that was heading to a “fattening farm.”
All of the residents were spared their lives, where they likely would have been kept in small, cramped conditions until eventually being slaughtered. Every PEAK staff member chose a vegan lifestyle, most of them after having interacted with animals in some way and realized they have lives, too.
All of the animals have unique personalities and needs. The pigs love belly rubs, getting sunscreen rubbed on their ears, and of course, naps. Sanchez said certain animals have developed serious medical issues, but only because they have lived their lives long enough to have encountered them.
Tulip, an 11-year-old pig who was the leader of the group, lived with skin cancer and mobility issues. She spent most of her day laying in the hay next to her friend, Pip, a six-year-old pig.
Marine Fayolle, PEAK animal caregiver, said medical expenses are their largest financial take-on. They rely heavily on donations to fund the cost of caring for the residents. PEAK also has an Amazon Wishlist with necessary items for the public to buy.
In the next few years, both Sanchez and Fayolle hope to remain open and growing. They encourage the public to schedule a tour to meet the animals, and they hope to inspire others to see how simple a vegan lifestyle can be.
PEAK also offers internships and invites volunteers to join the caretaking of the residents. Their LEAP program – Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet – is open to high school students who are eager to learn more about the animals and the environment.
PEAK’s website offers tips for those who are interested in entering the world of veganism.
One of the signs on the property promoting veganism is pictured on April 14, 2024. "Animal agriculture is responsible for 91% of Amazon destruction."
Patrick is pictured roaming the field on April 14, 2024. He arrived at PEAK at only five weeks old.
Nemo is pictured grazing on April 14, 2024. She was rescued from a neglected environment and needed rehabilitation to be able to stand on her own.
Marine Fayolle pets one of the pigs on April 14, 2024. Fayolle previously worked at a sanctuary in Arizona that was home to nearly 600 pigs.
One of the signs on the property promoting veganism is pictured April 14, 2024. "51.4 billion chickens are artificially hatched, fattened up and slaughtered as 42-day-old babies every year globally."
