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Sanctuary

History

From a little robin to Animal Experiences, Pine Bush and Union Mills: how Happy Tales came to be.

Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary began as a labor of love initiated by Nicole Chillemi (AKA Karuna Nicole), a licensed veterinary technologist with a passion for animals as teachers and healers, and Russell Lipensky (AKA Prabuddha Giri), an intuitive bodyworker with a gift for healing.
A pink sunset over the meadow and the wooded hills beyond

  1. Childhood

    A little robin called BJ

    At the age of 9 I had my first "wildlife case", a little robin who had fell from his nest. … Several months later and I released BJ, with tears streaming from my face because although my little self really wanted to keep him, the vet made it very clear that he wouldn't be happy unless I let him go, so I did.

  2. At 16

    The animal hospital

    She started working at an animal hospital at 16 years old (as soon as they would let her!)

  3. 2004

    Mercy College

    Nicole Chillemi had already worked part time at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital for six years by 2004, when she graduated Mercy College. … When she could find time, she’d take side jobs bringing live animals to children’s birthday parties.

  4. 2005

    Animal Experiences opens

    But it was the birthday party side gig that had her imagination running, educating children about animals and how to be a responsible pet owner.

  5. 2005

    Grasshopper and Jellybean

    “Grasshopper” was rescued with his brother “Jellybean” in 2005. Together, they changed many people’s perceptions of rats.
    Grasshopper the brown rat resting on a lap in blue jeans

  6. 2007

    Boomer arrives

    “Boomer” was taken in from Buffalo in September 2007. He came to us as a shy but lovable guy. Shortly after settling in here he turned into this incredibly outgoing, affectionate wallaby.
    Boomer the wallaby peeking out of a cloth pouch

  7. 2009

    Pine Bush

    In 2009, Nicole made the move to Pine Bush with her sanctuary and life partner, Russell Lipensky. Together, the two turned Animal Experiences into the sanctuary Nicole always wanted.

  8. 2012

    Madison

    Sadly, on 8/12/12, my “golden girl” Madison crossed the rainbow bridge. She was and is the inspiration for this sanctuary and the very reason these animals have a home.

  9. 2019

    On the cover

    Nicole Chillemi featured as the cover story in the latest issue of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Journal …

  10. 2020

    Thousands of people

    Animal Experiences was our flagship program … and through it we educated thousands of people from 2005-2020. Many of our educational animals are now either transitioned to spirit, or living a retired life on the sanctuary.

  11. Today

    Union Mills, North Carolina

    Education is still a huge part of our mission, so while we no longer travel, we do offer private tours for those that want to experience the animals and the sanctuary in person.
What started out with one girl with a big dream, has turned into an incredibly collaborative project. … I am grateful that what started out as I, is now WE.
Nicole, founder

Help the animals

Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run entirely on donations from the public.

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Private tours are available by appointment.Animal Experiences