Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A steer once slipped out of a slaughterhouse in Queens, New York, and ran straight into the evening news. His name was Freddy, and his story did not end on that city street.
It continued on a quiet farm in the far northwest corner of New Jersey, where cows, goats, sheep, chickens and many other rescued animals now spend their days simply being themselves. Every animal there has a name, and every name comes with a story worth hearing.
The people who run the place have spent years pulling animals out of tough situations and giving them room to grow old in peace. Keep reading to learn where this farm is, who runs it, how to plan a weekend trip, and why so many people leave already planning their next one.
A Hilltop Haven in Wantage
Far from the traffic of the Turnpike, a different kind of New Jersey waits in Sussex County. Skylands Sanctuary & Animal Rescue sits at 50 Compton Rd, Wantage, NJ 07461, in the rural northwest part of the state.
The sanctuary is an animal rescue focused on farm animals. Cows, goats, sheep, chickens and roosters live here as residents, not as livestock.
That difference matters a lot. Nobody on this farm is raised for a product or a paycheck.
Instead, the animals are given space, care and a long future. Many arrived after escaping or being rescued from slaughterhouses, and others came from neglectful or abusive situations.
The name fits the setting well. The Skylands is the nickname for this hilly, green corner of New Jersey, known for farms, small towns and open countryside.
People who make the trip often describe the landscape as beautiful and serene. The grounds are well kept, and the animals have plenty of room to roam.
It is the kind of address that rarely shows up on a typical tourist list. Those who find it, though, tend to talk about it for a long time afterward.
The Man Behind the Rescues
Some people collect stamps. Mike Stura collects second chances.
The founder of Skylands has been rescuing animals for years, and his name comes up again and again among those who visit. Guests describe him as a hero for the animals, someone who clearly cares about every resident on the property.
His work is hands-on and personal. He has stepped in to save animals from slaughter and from abusive situations, then brought them home to the farm.
Tour groups get to hear these rescue stories straight from him. He speaks from the heart and shares a lot of information along the way.
Those stories can be powerful. Some guests leave moved to tears, and some leave with a new way of thinking about farm animals entirely.
Running a sanctuary is not a nine-to-five job. Feeding, cleaning, medical care and daily checks happen day and night, every day of the year.
Mike does not do it alone, but his energy sets the tone for the whole farm. Spend even a short time here and it becomes clear why so many people call him one of a kind.
Mary and the Crew That Keeps It Running
Behind every great founder is a great operations lead, and at Skylands that person is Mary.
She handles operations and volunteers, which is a polite way of saying she keeps a very busy farm moving. Guests regularly mention how kind, caring and dedicated she is to the animals.
Mary also leads tours. Groups who have walked the property with her and other team members describe the guides as knowledgeable and friendly.
The wider crew includes staff and volunteers who put in long hours. They work hard to care for the residents, and their commitment shows in how healthy the animals are.
Warmth is a word that comes up often. First-time guests say Mike and Mary make them feel welcome, almost like returning friends.
A parent and child who visited recently left feeling grateful for the team’s work. That reaction is common here.
A sanctuary can only be as strong as the people who show up each morning. Skylands seems to have found a crew that keeps showing up, rain or shine.
Freddy, the Steer Who Made Headlines
Plenty of farms have a celebrity. Few have one with a genuine escape story.
Freddy is among the most famous residents at Skylands. He escaped from a slaughterhouse in Queens, New York, and his run for freedom made the local news that day.
Mike stepped in and rescued him. Freddy then traded city streets for country pastures in Wantage.
Guests often arrive hoping to meet him specifically. For some, his story is personal, especially for anyone who grew up near the neighborhood where he made his break.
He is not the only resident with a dramatic past. Escaped sheep and other animals who slipped away from slaughterhouses also call the farm home.
These stories give the sanctuary its emotional pull. A cow becomes more than a cow when you know exactly how close it came to a very different ending.
Hearing Freddy’s tale in person is a highlight of many tours. It turns a simple farm visit into something people remember long after they head home.
Every Resident Has a Name
Forget ear tags and numbers. At Skylands, every animal gets a name and a story.
That detail surprises many first-timers. Guests often mention it as one of the most memorable parts of the visit.
Each resident has its own personality too. Some are bold, some are shy, and some seem to enjoy a bit of mischief.
The team refers to the animals as their kids. It is a small habit that says a lot about how they are treated.
Chickens and goats are crowd favorites, and the cows tend to steal plenty of attention as well. Hens and roosters wander the property, adding to the barnyard bustle.
Watching the animals act freely is part of the appeal. Here, they get to be silly, relax, and grow old without the pressures of a commercial farm.
Learning a name changes how people see an animal. By the end of a tour, many guests can rattle off a few favorites like old friends.
Up Close With the Herd
Personal space is a loose concept for some of these residents. Many animals walk right up to guests to say hello.
Interacting with the animals is one of the main reasons people come. Petting, meeting and spending quiet time with them shows up again and again in what guests share afterward.
Some describe the experience as soothing. Others call it one of the most calming afternoons they have had in a long while.
The interaction is different from a petting zoo. The animals are not here to perform, and their comfort comes first.
That approach gives the visit a relaxed pace. Guests follow the lead of the animals instead of the other way around.
Kids and adults both seem to connect with the residents. It is a rare chance to see farm animals as curious, affectionate and intelligent beings.
Bring patience and a little time. The friendliest moments often happen when nobody is rushing.
Guided Tours Full of Stories
A walk around Skylands is really a walk through dozens of rescue stories.
Guided farm tours have been a key part of the experience. Mike, Mary and other guides have led groups across the grounds, introducing residents and sharing how each one arrived.
The tours are informative without feeling like a lecture. Guests describe them as heartfelt, packed with details about animal care and rescue work.
Hayride tours have also been offered on special dates. These have usually required tickets purchased in advance.
In the past, tours came with a suggested donation. Some tour days even included a vegan barbecue lunch, which earned plenty of praise.
Event details change, so the website is the best place to check what is coming up. Upcoming events and tour dates are posted there when available.
Plan ahead and confirm before booking a long drive. A little homework makes it far more likely that the tour you want is actually happening.
Volunteering With a Purpose
Volunteering is the most talked-about topic connected to Skylands, and for good reason.
Many guests come not just to visit but to help. They spend the day working on the farm and bonding with the animals at the same time.
Families have done both, visiting on some days and volunteering on others. Groups often say they cannot wait to come back for another shift.
Volunteer days put people face to face with real farm chores. It is honest work, and it supports the daily care the residents depend on.
A practical tip comes up often. Wear washable boots, because barnyards are not known for staying tidy.
Mary oversees volunteers, so questions about schedules and signups go through the sanctuary directly. Reaching out ahead of time is the smart move.
Many volunteers say they leave with more than they gave. A day of mucking and feeding can turn into a new hobby, or even a new outlook.
Peace, Quiet and Plenty of Pasture
Life moves slowly in this part of Sussex County, and the residents seem to like it that way.
Skylands offers a peaceful habitat for animals who once faced the opposite. The grounds give them room to wander, rest and simply live.
Guests often describe the farm as a safe haven. Some go further and call it heaven on earth for the animals.
The property is well maintained. The animals are visibly healthy and cared for, which speaks to the effort behind the scenes.
Unlike a zoo, the focus is not on display. The goal is for animals to live free from exploitation and enjoy their remaining years.
That calm atmosphere rubs off on people too. Many guests say they did not want to leave once they were there.
In a busy world, a quiet field full of content cows can be surprisingly good medicine.
Who Will Love This Place Most
Animal lovers, this one has your name on it.
Skylands suits anyone curious about farm animals and how they live when given the chance. Families, friends and solo travelers have all found something meaningful here.
Parents bring kids to learn about rescue work. Teachers have left inspired to share what they learned with students.
People who follow plant-based lifestyles often feel especially connected to the mission. Still, guests of all backgrounds come away with a new appreciation for these animals.
The experience can be emotional. Some stories are hard to hear, though they always end in safety.
It is less suited to anyone looking for a fast-paced attraction. The pace is slow, and the focus stays on the animals.
A curious mind and comfortable shoes are the main requirements. The rest tends to fall into place once the first goat wanders over.
Weekend Hours and a Word of Caution
Mark your calendar for Saturday or Sunday, because weekdays are off the table.
Listed hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. on both weekend days. The farm is listed as closed Monday through Friday.
Here is the important part. Some guests have arrived during posted hours to find the gates locked and been told the farm was no longer open to the public.
Others had trouble getting replies about tour tickets. Phone calls and messages did not always get answered quickly.
Running a farm full of animals takes a lot of time, and communication can lag. That makes advance planning essential.
Check the official website at skylandssanctuary.org for current visiting rules, events and volunteer options. Confirm details directly before making a long drive.
A quick check now can save hours on the road later. Nobody wants to drive two hours just to wave at the roosters through a fence.
Making a Weekend of It
Wantage sits well off the beaten path, so a little planning goes a long way.
The sanctuary is in rural Sussex County in northwest New Jersey. A car is the practical way to get there, and many guests drive in from New York and other parts of the region.
Some turn the trip into an overnight stay. The Minerals resort hotel is roughly 10 minutes away, which guests have found convenient.
An overnight stay gives more flexibility. It is easier to catch a morning slot or return for a second visit.
Pack for the farm, not for a mall. Washable boots and clothes that can handle some dirt are a wise choice.
Since tours and events are scheduled on specific dates, line up the hotel and the visit together. Confirm the sanctuary plans first, then lock in lodging.
With the logistics sorted, the only thing left is deciding which resident to visit first.
A Quiet Life Worth Supporting
Some places entertain. Skylands changes how people think.
The sanctuary holds a 4.8-star average across 181 Google ratings, and most guests leave grateful for the experience. Many promise to come back, and plenty do.
There are a few bumps worth knowing about. Communication and public hours have not always matched what was posted, so checking ahead is a must.
Still, the heart of the place is hard to miss. Animals who once faced slaughter or abuse now live out their days with names, care and room to roam.
Supporting the rescue can take many forms. Visiting, volunteering, attending events or simply spreading the word all help keep the gates open for the next arrival.
For animal lovers in New Jersey and beyond, Skylands Sanctuary & Animal Rescue is a meaningful stop. Plan carefully, bring boots, and get ready to meet a few unforgettable personalities.
Freddy and friends will likely be right where they belong, enjoying a quiet afternoon in the pasture.
