Animal Residents
Pigs
Daisy
Daisy came to the River Haven Sanctuary when her previous owner could no longer continue her care as a house pig. Her former owner felt that Daisy would thrive living outdoors in a farm environment. Daisy is independent and very clever. She appreciates belly rubs and attention first thing in the morning, and she loves to range and root in the wooded areas along the Sanctuary’s inner trail.
Jack
Jack came to the River Haven Sanctuary when his previous family needed to move and could no longer manage his care in their new location. Jack arrived quite overweight, but with appropriate nutrition and the opportunity to range along the Sanctuary’s inner trail, he has shed pounds and gained more energy. Jack is quiet, sweet and peaceful. He enjoys back scratches and napping with his best friend, Jupiter.
Jupiter
Jupiter is a young Kune Kune pig, a rare breed from New Zealand that is gaining popularity for food production in the United States. We love Kune Kunes like Jupiter because they are extremely friendly, people-oriented pigs. Prior to coming to the River Haven Sanctuary, Jupiter was owned by the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Animal Science. She was part of the Kune Kune breeding program. Oftentimes, pigs exited from the breeding program are sent to slaughter, but Jupiter’s caregivers were so struck by her gregarious nature they decided to seek out an alternative. They chose the River Haven Sanctuary as a permanent home for her. Jupiter loves scratches and snacks. She is an avid ranger, seeking out grubs, nuts and grass on her daily walks.
Gertrude may
Gertrude “Gertie” May is a young Kune Kune and Juliana cross. Her family bought her from a breeder who told them she was a miniature pig who would remain small enough to live comfortably in their suburban home. After Gertie reached 300 pounds and started to experience aggression from the family dogs, her family felt that she needed a different environment in order to thrive. They chose the River Haven based on referral by Gertie’s hoof trimmer. Gertie is a very vocal pig; she has something to say most of the time. She is also extremely people oriented and loves attention from guests and visitors. She comes when her name is called and knows how to sit on cue.
Ethel
Ethel is a young Yorkshire pig. Ethel weighs close to 500 lbs. and came to us from the University of Rhode Island’s Peckham Farm. During her time at Peckham Farm, Ethel helped pre-veterinary program students learn about the daily and medical needs of livestock pigs. She also produced many piglets as part of the farm’s breeding program. Ethel was slated for slaughter, but this smart girl would not load onto the truck waiting to take her for processing. Peckham Farm staff instead sought placement for Ethel at River Haven Sanctuary, where she can live out her days foraging in the woods and napping in the sun. Ethel’s symbolic adopters: Paula Butler.
Goats
Oberhasli Family & Friend Herd
The River Haven Oberhasli Goat Herd is composed of three does, Prana, Shiva and Precious, and three wethers, Snoop, Booba and Bilbo. Dawg, their Nubian wether friend, also lives with the herd. Booba and Bilbo were born at the Sanctuary!
Donkeys
Abbey & Gretta
Abbey and Gretta are best friends. They were both surrendered by former owners to the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. The River Haven Sanctuary adopted Gretta and Abbey together as a bonded pair. Abbey is a quiet and thoughtful donkey. She loves ear and rump rubs. Gretta is extremely smart and playful. Gretta is the more vocal of the two; her bray can be heard all across the sanctuary property at breakfast and dinner time!
Miniature Donkey Family Herd
Lily, Billy and Barnaby came to the River Haven Sanctuary after their former owner passed away. Lily and Billy are a bonded pair, and Barnaby is Lily’s son. The donkeys love scratches, ear rubs, snacks and napping in the afternoon sun. Lily, Billy and Barnaby just may be the Sanctuary’s most gentle and affectionate residents. They love attention and particularly enjoy interacting with children.
Horses
Rowan
Rowan is a senior Morgan mare. In the past, Rowan served previous owners as a broodmare and lesson horse. She taught many young people how to ride. Today, arthritis prevents Rowan from comfortably carrying a rider, so she enjoys learning classical dressage movements in-hand (without a rider) in order to keep her muscles strong and her joints mobile. Rowan also enjoys painting and learning tricks. Rowan is a very friendly horse who loves tummy scratches. Visitors who are ordinarily intimidated by horses usually relax significantly in her calm and happy presence.
Pearl
Pearl, a miniature horse, came to the River Haven Sanctuary from Hearts and Hooves Rescue. Hearts and Hooves works to save horses from slaughter. Pearl arrived at River Haven significantly underweight. It took months of careful monitoring to help her safely gain weight and rebuild muscle, but now Pearl is thriving. She is a very smart and brave little horse who loves her big best friend, Rowan. Pearl enjoys scratches on her neck and under her chin, snacks and rolling in the dirt.
Nieve
Nieve came to the River Haven Sanctuary after her previous owner’s life circumstances changed, and she could no longer care for her. Nieve arrived at the Sanctuary significantly underweight and in need of careful attention to her nutrition. Over several months, Nieve’s condition improved. She is now a healthy weight and has developed strong muscles and hooves. Nieve is a sensitive soul and quick learner. She loves to get the right answer when she is learning new skills in the round classroom. She lives with her donkey friends Gretta and Abbey and enjoys scratches on her withers and rump. Her favorite treat flavor is peppermint.
Birds
Thurston & Lovey
Thurston and Lovey are a bonded pair of Chinese Crested Geese. They were abandoned as goslings in a Boston city park. Fortunately, their former family found them wandering alone by the edge of a pond and brought them home to care for them. When the pair’s needs outgrew their former family’s urban backyard, they came to River Haven. Thurson and Lovey enjoy swims in their little pool and supervised adventures on the Wood River. They love lettuce, lentils and listening to their caregivers sing them lullabies.
