At Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary we provide a safe haven for abandoned, abused, neglected, and elderly pigs. While there are many shelters and rescue organizations for animal companions such as cats and dogs, and wildlife, there is a lack of sanctuary for pigs. We exist to help those animals.
We also educate the public on the conditions the typical farm animal lives in on factory and organic farms, and why farm animal sanctuaries are needed so badly in the US. We encourage compassionate choices in our everyday lives when it comes to what we eat, wear, and use for entertainment. By reducing demand for animal products, we can reduce the number of animals in need of rescue, and we can help reduce the number one cause of negative impact on our environment: animal agriculture.
We also educate the public on the conditions the typical farm animal lives in on factory and organic farms, and why farm animal sanctuaries are needed so badly in the US. We encourage compassionate choices in our everyday lives when it comes to what we eat, wear, and use for entertainment. By reducing demand for animal products, we can reduce the number of animals in need of rescue, and we can help reduce the number one cause of negative impact on our environment: animal agriculture.
We welcome everyone, no matter where you are on your journey of compassionate living. Every step in the direction of making a better life for even one animal, is a step in the right direction and we acknowledge that effort.
We are a group of volunteers of all different ages, genders, orientations, religions, races, and backgrounds who all come together for one purpose: to help piga in need. If your desire is to help pigs, we welcome you to Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary!
Cotton Branch Leadership Team
"I grew up near Savannah, GA surrounded by many animals--dogs, cats, chickens, goats, horses, ponies, ducks, cows, and bunnies--and I obtained a great respect and love for all of them. I have rescued cats, dogs, bunnies, and birds for years; and finally we adopted our amazing pot belly pig, Oliver, 8 years ago. Shortly thereafter, we rescued our second piggy, Winston! They changed our lives forever and so began our journey of rescuing pigs in need!
I found out about Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary when Jan, the Founder, offered to take in an abandoned pig languishing away in a dog kennel at a near-by animal control shelter. As the parent, at the time, of 2 pot belly pigs, a friend had alerted me of this poor abandoned piggy. I reached out to rescues and animal lovers through social media; Jan saw the cry for help and immediately offered to take this lonely soul. Louise, the pig in animal control, changed my life and introduced me to Jan and all the wonderful animals at Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary.
My husband, Evan, and I began volunteering and fundraising for the cause we believed in, and eventually joined the board of directors at Cotton Branch. In October of 2016, we were unanimously voted the succession plan for Jan's retirement. We moved to the sanctuary in May of 2017. I now serve as Board President and Executive Director.
Every day is an amazing day to be surrounded by these loving and caring animals; they give me so much joy!"
I found out about Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary when Jan, the Founder, offered to take in an abandoned pig languishing away in a dog kennel at a near-by animal control shelter. As the parent, at the time, of 2 pot belly pigs, a friend had alerted me of this poor abandoned piggy. I reached out to rescues and animal lovers through social media; Jan saw the cry for help and immediately offered to take this lonely soul. Louise, the pig in animal control, changed my life and introduced me to Jan and all the wonderful animals at Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary.
My husband, Evan, and I began volunteering and fundraising for the cause we believed in, and eventually joined the board of directors at Cotton Branch. In October of 2016, we were unanimously voted the succession plan for Jan's retirement. We moved to the sanctuary in May of 2017. I now serve as Board President and Executive Director.
Every day is an amazing day to be surrounded by these loving and caring animals; they give me so much joy!"
Megan Wrinkle
Adoption Team Coordinator
Board Vice President
Adoption Team Coordinator
Board Vice President
Tiffany Hargenrader
Director of Operations
Board Member
Director of Operations
Board Member
"I was born in Florida and raised in the Charleston area of SC. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Special Education. I taught a classroom for kids with moderate to severe Autism for 10 years before relocating to the Lexington area for my husband's job in 2016. We have 2 two-legged children and a herd of 11 babies including pigs, chickens and goats.
I always thought of myself as an animal lover until I started to volunteer at Cotton Branch. It wasn't until then I realized I loved "pets." Growing up in the South, I had always been involved in hunting from a young age. The sanctuary opened my eyes to the truth of what it means to truly love ALL animals and that was it. I immediately changed my life for the better. I now live a vegan lifestyle, moved to a home on 11 acres and adopted as many rescue babies as possible. My mind, body and soul has never felt better than it does at this stage in my life. I owe it all to the sweet residents of Cotton Branch."
I worked for over 2 years as the Farm Manager, but due to lifelong back issues, I recently had to stop. When I was asked to join the Board of Directors, and given the opportunity to still contribute in so many other ways, it was an immediate and easy YES for me!
I always thought of myself as an animal lover until I started to volunteer at Cotton Branch. It wasn't until then I realized I loved "pets." Growing up in the South, I had always been involved in hunting from a young age. The sanctuary opened my eyes to the truth of what it means to truly love ALL animals and that was it. I immediately changed my life for the better. I now live a vegan lifestyle, moved to a home on 11 acres and adopted as many rescue babies as possible. My mind, body and soul has never felt better than it does at this stage in my life. I owe it all to the sweet residents of Cotton Branch."
I worked for over 2 years as the Farm Manager, but due to lifelong back issues, I recently had to stop. When I was asked to join the Board of Directors, and given the opportunity to still contribute in so many other ways, it was an immediate and easy YES for me!
Juli-Anne Cantebury
Director of Marketing
Board Secretary
Director of Marketing
Board Secretary
"I’m THAT person who sees worms washed up on the sidewalk and frantically goes around scooping them up and putting them back in the grass. I know they’re “just worms,” but they’re a living creature and it just horrifies me thinking about being slowly cooked alive and stuck to a surface you can’t get away from… It’s just really not a good way to go.
Growing up and living in Colorado surrounded by nature and animals, I was taught early on to respect, care and nurture the environment and species around me. I remember spending many mornings as a child, with my dad, scooping out little baby bunnies and birds that fell into our window wells. The bunnies would just bop right out of the box as soon as we lifted them out, but most of the time, the birds were pretty helpless and if we couldn’t find their nest, we would care for them until they were big enough to fly. I remember how much joy, and a little sorrow, I felt when we got to release the birds and watch them fly away. Sometimes we couldn’t save them all, and my heart would break, but these experiences taught me the delicate balance of life and death and taught me how to be a good steward of the Earth and to all creatures.
I was first introduced to miniature pigs through a friend who had one as a companion. The more I lived vicariously through her, learned and researched, the more I knew I had found my spirit animal. It was like the Universe beckoned me and said, “Juli-Anne, you love snacks, being outside and taking naps all day… guess what? So do pigs! Here’s your animal.” After nearly 4 years of researching, finishing grad school and waiting until I lived in space that would allow a pig, my boyfriend (now husband) and I got our first pig, Ambrosius. I will never forget the day we went to pick him up. The overwhelming love, and the joy that just exploded from my soul. I literally dropped to my knees crying. Then, only a week later, he scooted over to me on the floor, climbed into my lap and bonded with me. I once again cried hysterically with pure elation and called my husband at work blubbering out that we had bonded. These feelings, that unconditional love and that bond that we share with Ambrosius and our newest edition, Esme’ pig, is what I want all pigs to feel.
That is why I advocate, serve and strive for change. These amazing animals, and all animals, deserve more than the current humanitarian standards provide. I’m profoundly honored to be working with an organization that puts forth real change and is making an impactful difference in our communities and with the animals they care for."
Growing up and living in Colorado surrounded by nature and animals, I was taught early on to respect, care and nurture the environment and species around me. I remember spending many mornings as a child, with my dad, scooping out little baby bunnies and birds that fell into our window wells. The bunnies would just bop right out of the box as soon as we lifted them out, but most of the time, the birds were pretty helpless and if we couldn’t find their nest, we would care for them until they were big enough to fly. I remember how much joy, and a little sorrow, I felt when we got to release the birds and watch them fly away. Sometimes we couldn’t save them all, and my heart would break, but these experiences taught me the delicate balance of life and death and taught me how to be a good steward of the Earth and to all creatures.
I was first introduced to miniature pigs through a friend who had one as a companion. The more I lived vicariously through her, learned and researched, the more I knew I had found my spirit animal. It was like the Universe beckoned me and said, “Juli-Anne, you love snacks, being outside and taking naps all day… guess what? So do pigs! Here’s your animal.” After nearly 4 years of researching, finishing grad school and waiting until I lived in space that would allow a pig, my boyfriend (now husband) and I got our first pig, Ambrosius. I will never forget the day we went to pick him up. The overwhelming love, and the joy that just exploded from my soul. I literally dropped to my knees crying. Then, only a week later, he scooted over to me on the floor, climbed into my lap and bonded with me. I once again cried hysterically with pure elation and called my husband at work blubbering out that we had bonded. These feelings, that unconditional love and that bond that we share with Ambrosius and our newest edition, Esme’ pig, is what I want all pigs to feel.
That is why I advocate, serve and strive for change. These amazing animals, and all animals, deserve more than the current humanitarian standards provide. I’m profoundly honored to be working with an organization that puts forth real change and is making an impactful difference in our communities and with the animals they care for."
Tiffany Galloway
Director of Outreach and Events
Board Member
Caretaker
Director of Outreach and Events
Board Member
Caretaker
"I always grew up around animals and loved and had a deep connection with them for as long as I can remember. My mom worked with animals most of my life as well so I was able to learn about basic needs and care from her knowledge and experience.
Throughout many years I have volunteered with many animal shelters, been a part of vegan communities, and have helped pushed more animal welfare policies by lobbying lawmakers, but it wasn’t until 2020 when I found Cotton Branch after attending a yoga donation class where the proceeds went to the farm. After that, I become a monthly sponsor when the pandemic began, donated when I could, and shared their posts so others would know about them.
As soon as they opened up their volunteer spots again I joined in as a sanctuary leader. I became the Sunday morning caretaker, helped with almost every event I could, and eventually began helping with their social media (mostly Twitter). In 2022, I joined Cotton Branch’s Board of Directors and now help with outreach and events. I still volunteer as a caretaker almost every Sunday and love being able to interact with all the sweet residents. Sundays are definitely my favorite!"
Throughout many years I have volunteered with many animal shelters, been a part of vegan communities, and have helped pushed more animal welfare policies by lobbying lawmakers, but it wasn’t until 2020 when I found Cotton Branch after attending a yoga donation class where the proceeds went to the farm. After that, I become a monthly sponsor when the pandemic began, donated when I could, and shared their posts so others would know about them.
As soon as they opened up their volunteer spots again I joined in as a sanctuary leader. I became the Sunday morning caretaker, helped with almost every event I could, and eventually began helping with their social media (mostly Twitter). In 2022, I joined Cotton Branch’s Board of Directors and now help with outreach and events. I still volunteer as a caretaker almost every Sunday and love being able to interact with all the sweet residents. Sundays are definitely my favorite!"
Jackson Sanders
Director of Volunteer Outreach
Board Member
Director of Volunteer Outreach
Board Member
"From a young age I've always felt a strong connection to animals. That's why at age 9 I gave up meat and have since then worked to promote animal welfare. It was by chance that I found Cotton Branch when I came across a post about their work through the "Piggy Cuddlers" program. I started off in the water warriors program, coming down to the sanctuary whenever I could get a break from school. Through this work I fell in love with the pigs, in particular Lucy (pictured above).
On my return back to Clemson, I would fill in anyone who would listen about the great work going on at Cotton Branch and all the different pig personalities at the sanctuary, often plugging other members of the Clemson community into the Cotton Branch community.
Having just graduated from Clemson with my B.S. in biology, I have relocated to Charleston. I am working to engage the Charleston community in Cotton Branch's work and continue to support the sanctuary."
On my return back to Clemson, I would fill in anyone who would listen about the great work going on at Cotton Branch and all the different pig personalities at the sanctuary, often plugging other members of the Clemson community into the Cotton Branch community.
Having just graduated from Clemson with my B.S. in biology, I have relocated to Charleston. I am working to engage the Charleston community in Cotton Branch's work and continue to support the sanctuary."
Crystal Evans
Farm Manager
Caretaker
Farm Manager
Caretaker
"I grew up knowing I would work with animals, frequenting Riverbanks Zoo since I was a city kid, and was lucky to have family that supported my love of animals and would let me have a variety of pets; cats, dogs, parakeets, rabbits, even snakes (including Pecan, the 11ft long Boa Constrictor). As an adult, I still love my reptiles and routinely pick up the snakes around Cotton Branch. I love to hike, rockhound, and observe wildlife with my son, who has my same love of animals and nature. I have several rescues at home: a one eyed cat with neurological issues, two bully breeds with anxiety issues, and a Veiled Chameleon.
I have my B.A. in Biology from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC, and have worked with animals for over a decade now in various veterinary offices as a technician, kennel tech at a boarding facility, dog walker, and pet sitter. I’ve been a caretaker at CB for two years now and I absolutely love it. I discovered Cotton Branch 10 years ago, when a client at the vet’s office I worked at was talking about it and I decided to start volunteering. I’ll never be able to forget my first day, I got out of my car and was waiting on Jan, the director then, to come out when one of the ducks jumped up and bit me, and I just stood there with a duck clamped on my leg because I had no idea what to do…all I could do was laugh. The people and animals of Cotton Branch have become a huge part of my life over the years and I am so grateful to be a part of this sanctuary."
I have my B.A. in Biology from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC, and have worked with animals for over a decade now in various veterinary offices as a technician, kennel tech at a boarding facility, dog walker, and pet sitter. I’ve been a caretaker at CB for two years now and I absolutely love it. I discovered Cotton Branch 10 years ago, when a client at the vet’s office I worked at was talking about it and I decided to start volunteering. I’ll never be able to forget my first day, I got out of my car and was waiting on Jan, the director then, to come out when one of the ducks jumped up and bit me, and I just stood there with a duck clamped on my leg because I had no idea what to do…all I could do was laugh. The people and animals of Cotton Branch have become a huge part of my life over the years and I am so grateful to be a part of this sanctuary."
Trent Harrison
Volunteer Caretaker
Volunteer Caretaker