Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

Marie rocks! She really made the trip worthwhile. Lots of really loved and cared for critters in a super awesome wooded setting. Great fun for everyone. Go and support this wonderful place.

I am a grad student from California, and I just visited this place today. As an animal lover, i put this place in my to-​go list, a list of places that i must go before graduating this May.
I think this is one of the places where you either love it, or you could be critical about it. Direction in this place is not very clear, as some other reviewers mentioned, but with some common sense, that is not really a problem for me. Plus, it kind of adds on to the laid-​back atmosphere there, which suits my taste. Personally, i like it, and it is a five star from me.
It is an absolutely great place for kids and family. There is a playground, and there are many cute animals for you to see and even to pat on.
Judging from the information on the website and their pamphlet, however, it seems that the place mostly depends on outside donation. I am aware that it is mostly a place for hurt and mistreated animal, but I feel that there is a much greater potential for the place. Perhaps an art class could be held there doing oil/​pencil painting on the animals, perhaps a woodworking class, or classes on the production of farm-​related products also (like soap, candle… etc), especially education is part of the vision for the organization. Sell those on Etsy, and say that it is for the sanctuary. That may help improve the sanctuary (capacity, quality, and better spirit… etc), and get more active community involvement.
Would definitely visit again when i am around!

Umm… well, maybe I just visited at a bad time?
We approached the front and there was no one there. There was a sign saying to leave admission in the jar, but there was no jar in sight. We stood for a few minutes wondering what to do, before finally just venturing in and asking someone, who then directed us to the director of the place, a woman who was clearly very busy and didn’t want anything to do with us.
Honestly, the woman who manages the operation seemed rude to me. One of the first few comments I made after handing her my admission fee is that the chickens seem friendly, and she snapped that you’re not supposed to pet chickens. I wasn’t asking, or even thinking it, but okay… maybe she’s just the type who loves animals and hates dealing with people, I don’t know. However, I was thankful that she warned me about a violent horse with a tendency to kick and to stay out of its way. That horse aimed straight for me and my husband with malice in its eyes and that was some very good info to know. I wonder what its history must’ve been like for it to hate people that much. Wish I could’ve gotten a background story, but there doesn’t seem to be such a thing as a tour guide at this place. In fact a lot of the other people volunteering or working here are friendly enough, but they all seem really stressed out trying to manage everything at once. I felt guilty even stopping to ask them for any other info since they all look pretty frazzled and I didn’t want to interrupt.
The sheep and goat seem friendly, and the goat especially seems to like petting, although I think I vaguely recall signs warning people against petting anything with horns. (It was all a bit of a mess so I wasn’t too sure.) I saw signs for the potbellied pigs though we didn’t see any sign of them. Maybe it was just too cold for them to be out. The tabby here loves human attention, kept following us around the farm to the point where I just wanted to take the little guy or gal home. The black cat was injured though, maybe by another animal on the farm. It came up to rub up against me but when I pet its back I felt some pretty big scabs and the poor thing hissed at me and ran away. I wonder what happened there.
The donkey kept making distress brays… maybe it was just cold? Or maybe it’s scared of people? My husband and I were completely baffled since it let us pet him/​her, but then was clearly upset. It nudged me aside several times, and we left it alone after a while. I haven’t a clue.
Too bad it’s not more interactive, since this is a farm sanctuary. I’ve been to Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY, and maybe that spoiled me. I just feel like if you’re a farm sanctuary, part of the idea is to promote why farm practices are cruel since the existence of the sanctuary is to save these animals from that life. A tour guide would be helpful, as well as hearing the background stories of a lot of these animals, which at least gives them a history and an identity. Instead people just looked harrowed or seemed to pointedly avoid conversation. Full disclosure: I am not vegan, but I believe in what the vegan movement stands for and I am slowly working towards that. I just don’t understand why a gem in the rough like this doesn’t even put any effort into trying to sell what they are trying to do. I know that they are understaffed, but surely it doesn’t take that much effort to reach out to visitors who are clearly there because they’re curious?
I don’t think I’ll be coming back. I want to support what they do here, but I felt like my presence was an intrusion. Maybe I’ll just donate.

I’ve been volunteering here for almost five years. When I moved to MA, I came from the cat/​dog rescue world and was looking for a place to devote my time. I visited Winslow and that was that. Debra is passionate about the animals and they are cared for with love. Most have come to the sanctuary rescued from horrific situations and many need to learn to trust people again. Debra will do anything for them. Every dollar you donate, including your entrance fee, goes to the farm. I look forward to Sunday afternoons because I spend them with furry (or feathered!) lovely friends. Say hi to Gulliver for me when you go!

Love this beautiful safe haven for rescued animals. I wish I lived closer to it so I could visit everyday.

Amazing place to visit! Tranquility, full of love and joy!

Very neat and cozy sanctuary. I’ve been to a much larger one (Farm Sanctuary) but WInslow had a different set-​up that was very kid friendly and organized.
As others said, it would’ve been nice to get closer to the pig (pig fan here) but otherwise no complaints. We were told to ask for a tour guide but we went at a different time and toured ourselves. It’s great to see a place like this in top notch condition. All the animals looked healthy and well taken care of.

Wow, I cannot believe I have never been here before or heard more about it. What a nice, relaxed vibe this place has.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by some chickens and a rooster who seemed to walk around with us for a bit. There are many cats about, all very friendly and ready for some love. The alpacas were adorable and a bit playful. There was a large pig sleeping in the middle of a walking path. That says a lot that these rescued animals now feel safe enough to sleep in the open. Well done.
I found the structures built for the animals beautiful. It is so charming. There are some playground areas for kids also. One has a large fort-​like structure and there was a horse just hanging out around it. Very peaceful & a well spent $ 10 for me since that helps this sanctuary take care of these animals.

This farm is awful. As others have said, it does have a special vibe and a great message (they take in animals from MSPCA). Yet, it isn’t like a real farm (ex. Ward’s Berry in Sharon, Lookout Farm in Natick), and doesn’t have a corn maze or any other Pumpkins. It also is a bit expensive — the sign says children are 5.00, and adults are 10.00 — ends up that I thought I would spend $ 20. One adult, 2 children. Ends up I spend 27.00? How — supposedly they haven’t updated their sign and don’t have enough money to, so children are 7.00, during the fall? Put a piece of paper and tape over the 5 and make it a 7!!! I’ll be contacting Massachusetts Division Of Standards. And a 3.00 fee for a credit card!!!
Lookout Farm in Natick is SO much better!

FABULOUS PLACE. I can not say enough wonderful things about this sanctuary. The compassion shown to neglected, abused, inwanted animals is truly genuine. Debra White has a heart of gold as do the other staff and volunteers. Keep up the phenomenal job. *Great place to take kids instead of zoos.

DO NOT waste your money. This place is horrible! We pulled into one of the parking lots which had no signs pointing you in the right direction. We walked into the gate and there was just stuff everywhere. There were a few girls that were 10 years old (that had no clue) at a makeshift desk that took our money. They had no change to give us back. I practically had to beg for it when I left. There are only a few animals you can actually touch. Chickens and cats mostly. All my kids wanted to do was play at the playground. There was no direction at all as to where you can go. All the gates said staff only. Definitely not worth the 25^th bucks. It’s a wonderful concept and idea. It was just run poorly.

I find it hard to believe that someone was able to write «amazing experience» and be talking about this place. I like helping and saving animals as much as the next person, but honestly this place was just ridiculous. I have a problem with rude people. Especially when I have just been charged $ 25 dollars to come in to your Sanctuary. If the money was not going to a good cause I may have demanded my money back. I can’t blame the poor animals for their caretakers bad behavior. The animals were in great shape, and obviously very well taken care of, but I sort of felt like I stepped into an episode of Hoarders. I have never seen so much crap in my life. Also the picture of the playground equipment that they have on FB is very, very old. I was shocked actually. I totally agree with a review that said you paid for cats and chickens. It’s totally true! I was not expecting a petting zoo or a zoo, but i was expecting something a bit more exciting and educational. I also think you may want to work on your customer service. I am pretty sure I will never go back

This place is soooo cool! All of the animals are rescued and have great stories! There are llamas, horses, donkeys, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, pigs, goats, a few dogs and lots of free roaming friendly cats! Many are former strays or Ferals. Some have chipped ears indicative of once living outside and being trapped spayed and released. There is even a cool three legged cat named Turtle! It’s casual. No guided tour or show. It’s really fun to walk around and interact with the animals at your own speed. Great for kids! Has a really neat wooden playground! We loved this place and love even more that it’s nonprofit so your admission fee helps the residents! We will be back!

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING experience. I am in love with this place. It has a very peaceful and special vibe. The animals are so happy and well cared for. Theres a nice little playground for kids too! The little pug here is probably the happiest dog I’ve ever seen (haha!) DO yourself a favor and spend an afternoon here. SO much better than any zoo.
In response to an earlier review — this is not a ‘petting zoo’ its an animal sanctuary. The purpose of this place is a safe home for animals, which costs $ to maintain. I don’t think $ 10 is too much at all. No you cannot interact with all the animals because they’re living creatures that are all individual and have their own stories, likes and dislikes (just like people) Some of the animals loved being pet and would come over to us and some we happily observed from a distance.
The property is gorgeous and this is a wonderful place for children and families. Really a magical day!

This place is tremendous. Just about a 40 minute drive out of Boston. Many of the animals are roaming around free and are fine with petting them. I personally am a cat lover and there are cats everywhere in this place, many of them very friendly. Would be a great place to bring a little kid.

I think it’s great that she helps animals. Being an animal lover myself i can appreciate the work she does for this farm and gives these animals a chance… However I think $ 10 a person is a bit much considering local zoos only cost $ 6 – 7 to get into.
My 1 year old broke his leg so I thought living in town this would be something easy to do to get him out of the house. A woman greeted us when we walked in and after the first sentence I was lost! She told us not to touch certain ducks and certain goats and certain pigs and not to go behind the horses because they kick. And the list kept going. So needless to say my son is already hurt and I was afraid to let him near any animals at this so called «petting farm» because I couldn’t remember what was safe and what wasn’t.
I’m not sure why unsafe animals are left to roam free around people especially kids ??
Lastly, they have picnic tables around a kids playground with roaming donkeys who I witnessed take some families lunch right off the table while they were playing!
Not an awful place but I won’t go back. Dead mice from all the cats were on the ground also animal throw up my mother stepped in. You leave feeling filthy and the owners and helpers are not helpful! 2 stars is more then generous ! Go to buttonwood park or world war park in attleboro!

Lover of animals? check
Nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon? check
Need a cheep date? check
Kids are bored? check
At a loss for what to do during the holidays? check
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!!! Check, check, check, check, check. And you’ll need to double check your math because the place is run by children. They fuel the fire, clean the storehouses, run the stables and steak out the entrance. Adults are $ 7 or two for $ 15, as the adorable eight year old quoted us. I would have paid $ 20 for this cherished math moment. We gave the extra buck with no protest.
Walk amongst the bunny barns, play with the cats, scrub the black pug — Magic, laugh with pygmy goats, steer clear of the pig and great danes (as the signs state), stare into donkey eyes, alpaca hearts and horse’s manes. Then sit by the pond, and come up to the bonfire for warmth. The only thing missing was s’mores. Ahh — bliss.
Special holiday tip: they do fun things during the year including haunted Halloween during the month of October, Yuletide Festival (old fashioned Christmas), an Easter Egg Hunt, and an annual sheep shearing event. FUN!

Loved this farm and how they look after the animals. I have never seen a cat and a rabbit drink from the same bowl with two small dogs near by — its an amazing concept run by some very amazing people. I don’t know how they do it but its a wonder to witness it!

Run, don’t walk to this adorable establishment! Anyone who love animals will fall in love with Winslow Farm on the spot. It’s just so lovely to see animals all living in harmony together. The minute we walked in, we encountered many friendly cats (included a 3-​legged one!), as well as a cute dog and several roosters. Walking towards the bag, you’ll find the more barnyard type animals — goats, sheet, etc. The pigs are hilarious and will make you laugh as they eat everything in sight. We watched one devour half a pumpkin in about a minute.
The only suggestion I would make is to wear footwear you’re not too fond of… as there’s plenty of animal waste underfoot. We went in October and it was a perfect day as the place was all decked out for Halloween. I can’t wait to go back in the spring!

What a hidden gem! We came here on a Saturday afternoon in October with my 3 year old and 4 year old. No strollers needed, everything walkable. Their is some short trails in the back, which were decorated for Halloween.
The whole place has animals just roaming around, I love it. For animals they had ducks, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, horses, donkeys, chickens, peacocks, and Peahens, which is the girl peacock, had no idea on that one, but the great staff their shared it with me. The kids can just go up and pat any animal.
We sat down to a roaring fire and shared some popcorn and cider. This was a great family afternoon. I highly recommend it.