Founded in 1979 by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory, Black Beauty Ranch is the largest and most species-diverse sanctuary of Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, whose mission is ending the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering. Black Beauty Ranch is home to domestic and exotic animals rescued from slaughterhouses, biomedical research laboratories, trophy hunting ranches, roadside zoos, neglect and cruelty cases, and the exotic pet trade.
At present, more than 625 animals representing 41 species live peacefully in the rolling pastures and custom-built habitats on our 1,400-acre property in Texas, where they are expertly cared for by staff and volunteers. They spend their days roaming the sanctuary’s 1,400 acres of protected pastures and woodland or enjoying species specific habitats that allow them to live as closely as possible to how they would in the wild.
With every year that passes, our existing animals—many of whom already have special needs—grow older and require more care. We are also being asked to take in increasing numbers of rescued and surrendered animals. Black Beauty Ranch welcomed 31 new animals in 2023, including 22 who were part of a mass rescue we assisted with from a derelict zoo and facility in Puerto Rico. Hundreds of animals were living in overcrowded, barren conditions without appropriate care.
Humane World for Animals International, formerly called Humane Society International rescued over 200 wild exotic animals in 2019 from decrepit, barren and disturbing conditions at St. Edouard Zoo, an unaccredited facility in Canada. The animals were taken to sanctuaries throughout North America, including Black Beauty Ranch where tigers Serenity and Theodora, Doula the lioness, a zebra named Zuko, and Wolfgang the wildebeest—along with kangaroos Ross, Rachel and Joey—are now living happily-ever-after. Sue Tygielski, senior director of Black Beauty Ranch, said, “Five years ago these animals were rescued from deplorable conditions, some in chewed up, dark, dungeon-like stalls where they could barely move, while others were trying to dig out of their habitats. Here at Black Beauty, their lives changed in every way. They are receiving exceptional care, having their needs met and are given the freedom to exhibit their natural behaviors and be the animals they deserve to be. They have become confident individuals able to flourish under our care. They will never face cruelty again.”
Please click here to learn more about the ranch https://www.humaneworld.org/en/black-beauty-ranch
Our goal is to ensure that all the animals who come to live at Black Beauty can experience their best life. Thank you for your interest in helping our rescued animals live out their days in health and happiness!
