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Somewhere in the quiet farm country of South Jersey, a turkey squad is waiting to walk guests through the front gate. Pigs the size of small cars trot over to the fence, and an emu might ask politely for a slice of apple.
Every animal here once needed a second chance, and every one of them got it. The place opens its gates only one day a week, which makes each visit feel like a small event.
Families come for the feeding, and solo wanderers come for the trails and wide pastures. The people running it built much of it by hand, and the care shows in every fence line.
Keep reading to learn where it is, who lives there, when to go, and how a dollar apple can make a very large friend.
A Farm Where Second Chances Live
Down a country road in Cumberland County sits a farm with a very different job description.
Freedom Farm Animal Rescue is located at 229 Newport-Centre Grove Rd, Cedarville, NJ 08311, in the southern part of New Jersey.
Nothing here is raised for profit. Every resident is a rescued animal that arrived needing safety, space, and steady care.
The sanctuary spreads across roughly 43 acres, and it is home to more than 300 animals. That is a lot of mouths, hooves, beaks, and tails under one mission.
Officially, it is listed as an animal rescue service. In practice, it works more like a full working farm where the animals are the guests of honor for life.
The scale surprises many first-timers. Some describe it as closer to a small zoo than a backyard petting area, with large pastures and roomy enclosures.
The community clearly approves, giving it a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 across more than a hundred public opinions.
So who started all this, and why? The answer begins with two very busy people.
The Couple Behind the Fences
Behind every great sanctuary is someone holding a hammer.
At Freedom Farm, that means owners Jamie and Tara, a couple known for going all out for each animal that comes their way.
Much of the facility was built by the owners themselves. A dedicated team of volunteers helps keep it running from week to week.
Jamie is often around on open days, happy to share the background and origins of the mission. Guests who wander in by chance tend to leave knowing far more than they expected.
One guiding idea stands out. The farm aims to give animals more room to roam than they strictly need, which helps avoid overcrowding.
That choice shapes everything else. It explains the wide pastures, the generous pens, and the calm feel of the grounds.
The work is often described as hard and thankless, yet it is fueled entirely by compassion. New arrivals get what they need on day one and for the rest of their lives.
Of course, a mission is only as good as its results. And the results walk, waddle, and snort all over the property.
Spotless Grounds, Spacious Pastures
Tidy is not a word most people associate with a barnyard. Here, it fits.
The farm is regularly called one of the best-kept sanctuaries around, with grounds that stay remarkably clean.
Horses get a large pasture of their own, with plenty of room to romp. This is not a petting zoo setup.
Pig enclosures include grass, trees, shade, sun, and a little mud for good measure. Even pigs appreciate options.
Further back, cow pastures and an alpaca area stretch out across the land. The layout lets animals spread out rather than crowd together.
Safety is part of the design too. Fences are sturdy, paths are clear, and guests can move from section to section with ease.
The result is a peaceful setting that feels like a real farm rather than an attraction. That calm is a big reason families keep coming back.
Now, about those residents. Some of them are rather large personalities.
Pigs of Impressive Proportions
Some guests jokingly call them dinosaur-size, and the label is not far off.
Pigs are among the most talked-about residents at the sanctuary, and they live in several separate enclosures.
These are not tiny pink piglets from a picture book. Many are big, confident animals who know exactly what an approaching bucket means.
They wag their tails and trot over to the fence when apple slices appear. It is hard to find a happier welcome committee.
Each pen offers grass and trees, with a bit of mud on hand. That mix gives them space to root, rest, and wander as they please.
For kids, meeting a pig this size up close is often the highlight of the day. Adults tend to be just as charmed.
Hogging the spotlight is easy when you are this big. Still, the pigs share the stage with plenty of others.
Emus, Turkeys, and a Feathered Crowd
Who needs a tour guide when a squad of turkeys is happy to escort you in?
Birds are everywhere at Freedom Farm. Turkeys and a few chickens roam outside, often greeting guests near the start of the path.
The bird area holds chickens, peacocks, and pigeons. It is a busy, cheerful corner of the farm.
Ducks and geese splash around in a pond. Nearby, the emus tend to steal the show.
Emus are curious and will happily ask for an apple slice. They are also big, powerful birds.
A smart tip is to place the slice on the fence and let the emu pick it up from there. Fingers stay safe, and the emu stays happy.
Fun fact: emus are the second-largest birds on Earth, behind only the ostrich. Seeing one in South Jersey is a bit of a surprise.
Feathers are only part of the story, though. The hooved crowd has plenty to say too.
Cows, Donkeys, Goats, and Alpacas
Size matters in the back pastures, where some of the biggest residents live.
The cows here are often described as the most magnificent many people have ever seen. They are large, calm, and well cared for.
Donkeys have a loyal fan club of their own. Some guests flat out call them the best part of the farm.
Goats share space with donkeys, watched over by two livestock guardian dogs. Those dogs take their job seriously.
Alpacas live in their own area. At times, a new mother and her baby have been seen strolling side by side.
Cats also greet people near the entrance. They seem to consider themselves the front desk staff.
The variety is a big part of the appeal. Every turn of the path brings a new species and a new story.
And speaking of stories, the staff is ready to tell them.
Apples for a Dollar, Friends for Life
A single dollar goes a long way at this farm.
Guests can buy apples for $1 each to feed the animals. A volunteer slices them and hands them over in a plastic pail.
Feeding is the most popular activity on site. Many animals will eat right from your hand.
The trick is to pace yourself. With so many hungry residents, the apples disappear fast.
One small suggestion from past guests is that the feed stand could be closer to the front. Grabbing a pail right away keeps the flow simple.
Volunteers along the paths also share background on each animal and how it was rescued. Those stories turn a simple feeding into something more meaningful.
Children especially enjoy learning names and histories. It makes the animals feel like individuals, not exhibits.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away. Here, it mostly keeps the pigs coming back.
Trails, Views, and Room to Wander
Not every visit has to revolve around a feed bucket.
The property includes nature trails that wind through the landscape. They give guests a chance to stretch their legs between animal stops.
Adults without kids find plenty to enjoy here. The views, the variety of animals, and the trails make for a relaxed outing.
Some people treat it as a simple nature walk through the park. Others come for a quiet morning with a favorite animal.
Families with small children and teens alike tend to fit right in. Grandparents bringing grandkids have had great experiences too.
The staff is known for being welcoming and going the extra mile so everyone has fun. That friendly tone carries across the whole farm.
The farm is also listed as a vegan facility, which matches its mission of compassion for every resident.
Wandering is encouraged. Just keep an eye on the clock, because the gates do not stay open long.
Saturday Mornings Only
Mark the calendar, because the window is short.
Freedom Farm is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. It is closed every other day of the week.
Parking is available across the street. From there, it is a short walk to the front entrance.
Bring a few dollars for apples. Donations are also strongly encouraged, since visits help keep the sanctuary going.
Special events pop up throughout the year. Around the holidays, there have been Christmas activities and even a Santa visit.
The best way to check upcoming events is the farm’s Facebook page. Calling ahead also works if plans need confirming.
Arriving early gives more time to see everything. With 43 acres to cover, four hours can go by quickly.
Comfortable shoes are a smart choice. The trails and pastures cover plenty of ground.
Why This Farm Earns a Return Trip
Plenty of people stumble onto Freedom Farm by accident. Most leave planning their next visit.
The appeal is simple. Rescued animals live well here, and guests get to see that care in action.
Big pigs, curious emus, gentle cows, and devoted donkeys each add something different. The people running the place add the heart.
Volunteering is another way to get involved. The farm welcomes help from those who want to give more than an afternoon.
Every apple bought and every donation left helps feed and shelter more than 300 residents. That makes a casual Saturday outing feel like a real contribution.
Families, couples, and solo explorers all find their own reasons to return. The farm rewards curiosity and kindness in equal measure.
For a Saturday plan in South Jersey, few options feel this good. The animals already have their freedom, and they are happy to share a little of it.
