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. The animals have been brought to them by state and local rescue agencies because they were abandoned, abused, or unable to survive in the wild, as well as by private owners who wanted to find a place for their “pets” that were unsuitable to keep as pets.
How we heal
Once animals are brought to the sanctuary, we rehabilitate them using natural methods such as bodywork, flower/nature essences, energetic healing and give them a permanent, loving home. When appropriate, we release native wildlife back into the wild. Those who cannot live independently remain at the sanctuary, where they are cared for throughout their natural lives. Many of the animals who remain at the sanctuary participate in our therapy and educational outreach programs and help to facilitate healing in the individuals seeking our help.
Conservation, Preservation, and Education
Our educational outreach program focuses on Conservation, Preservation, and Education. We want people to be aware of what is happening in the wild with these animals and their native habitats, and why it is important for us to work to preserve these habitats for humans, animals, and the world in general. It is particularly important for people to understand why certain animals do not make good pets. We strive to achieve the goal of no more abandoned wildlife, exotic, and farm animals!
60 animals call Happy Tales home
Meet Our AnimalsHappy Tales now boasts a population of 60 animals. We take care of everything from hamsters to birds, from foxes to pigs, from a porcupine to cows, from horses to ... an African sand cat! Our fennec fox is a royal, dignified senior citizen, known as Riley. Our lemur is a sight to behold, and our coatimundi demonstrates both her independence and her tremendous fondness for raisins to anyone who meets her. Our resident lynx, Yeti, is a breathtaking, majestic sight to behold!
Healing for humans, too
The Sanctuary’s mission extends to healing for humans as well. We provide bodywork, long distance healing, flower essence formulas, and energy work for individuals in need. We also have implemented a program for children (and adults), about which we are very excited. Called “Animal Theraplay," we provide bodywork and therapy for children through interaction with our animals. Although this program was originally created with special-needs children in mind, we have found that EVERYONE can benefit from it! In addition, we are working hard to expand our facilities to include equine-assisted therapy, a sustainable coffee shop, on-site nature retreats, personal improvement programs, and camping/glamping (our resident sheep named Molly might eat any flowers you leave out, though!).
Animal TheraplayCome just as you are; we do not judge and neither do the animals!
Help the animals
Please join our growing community so we can continue our work and expand our vision for everyone to treat animals, and fellow humans, with kindness, understanding, respect, and awe!
Private tours are available by appointment.Animal Experiences