Northern Ont. now home to a farm animal rescue service

A new operation on Manitoulin Island has created a lot of buzz amongst its neighbours – many of which are pretty excited that the residents have decided to ‘mooo-ve in.’

GLO Farm Sanctuary has relocated to what they are calling their “dream property” in Manitowaning.

The 40 animals appear to be adapting quite nicely to their new ‘digs’ and it was all smiles from staff at the sanctuary Friday when discussing the move.

If home is where the heart is – the residents (animals) at GLO have plenty.

The sanctuary takes in farm animals that have suffered abuse or neglect to allow them to live out the rest of their lives ensuring their physical, social and emotional needs are more than met.

GLO Farm Sanctuary found Ali Valentine talks with CTV News about the rescue's new home on Manitoulin Island. (GLO Farm Sanctuary/Facebook) "So we work with various sources – whether it's the SPCA or the OPP or the Solicitor General and the provincial animal welfare system,” said founder Ali Valentine.

“Animals who come from abuse and neglect cases, they make their way here and they get to live out their natural lives."

The sanctuary started as a small 10-acre property near Orangeville, Ont. and has now grown into its new 200-acre home on the island.

GLO founder Ali Valentine and a volunteer feeding animals at the sanctuary's new home on Manitoulin Island. (Ian Campbell/CTV News Northern Ontario/Photo from video)This is the sanctuary’s first summer in its new home and Valentine said the residents like Richard, Martin and Russel Crowe have become part of the family.

"It's kind of a thankless job, in the sense that you clean the barn and they come in and go thanks and they make a mess of it again,” she said.

“But – giving them an opportunity to just live their lives free from harm and exploitation is just really meaningful work."

CTV News video journalist Ian Campbell holds a chicken for the first time. (Ian Campbell/CTV News Northern Ontario)CTV News saw firsthand that many of the residents are full of personality too, from the chickens who like to cuddle up to a goat named Ted who likes to chew on buttons. Staff said every day is something new, fun and interesting on the farm.

"Ted – he likes to eat everything, including things that should not be eaten like volunteers' clothing, like you experienced so that's an awesome opportunity," said volunteer Julia Burns.

GLO staff say Ted is the best example of a goat you’ll ever find - he eats anything and everything regardless of whether or not it’s actually edible. (GLO Farm Sanctuary/Facebook)Long-time island resident Jane Hladki drives in regularly from Little Current to help out and said the sanctuary is a welcome addition to the island.

"I think there's a lot of people that want to get involved in things and probably wouldn't have even known about it so it's great," said Hladki.

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Another volunteer, Carmen Sloss told CTV News that it is just great helping out on the farm.

"We help feed, we love them and play with them and they follow us around,” she said.

"But the most rewarding part is kind of seeing the animals come out of their shell and become who they really, you know, who they were meant to be – given the opportunity,” said Valentine.

GLO is inviting the community to come check out their new home, for more information on how to book a tour visit their website.

Many of the residents of GLO Farm Sanctuary enjoying their new home on April 14/23. (GLO Farm Sanctuary/Facebook)