Our Story

Leilani Farm Sanctuary is an educational facility that teaches children and adults about animals in a way that changes their perspective about themselves and the world around them. Our emphasis is upon teaching that every living being needs food, water, shelter, shade, love, and has language.

We host at-risk youth programs, school field trips, special needs children, elder activities, and farm tours for the general public, including visitors from the Mainland — providing our community with a hands-on experience that is thought-provoking and stimulates social and emotional growth.

Most of the animals at Leilani Farm Sanctuary were orphaned, neglected, or abused. Through interaction with animals, children from troubled homes learn forgiveness, courage, strength, leadership skills, trust, empathy, and kindness. When we relay the animals’ stories to visiting children, it helps them relate to their own pain. (Often, when children are abused they turn their hurt around to abuse others, smaller than themselves.)

Exploring with children how abused animals have learned to forgive and overcome their pasts, the animals become role models, helping the children deal with their pain and reach for their bright futures.

By learning empathy and respect for all life, children become protectors rather than abusers. Animals, with their unconditional love and non-judgmental attitude, can often reach kids more deeply and effectively than people can. The healing that takes place when children get together with the animals is profound.