About The Sanctuary
Nestled along The Kohala Coast on The Big Island of Hawaii, The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary will stand as a pioneering sanctuary dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of abused and abandoned animals. As the first of its kind in the region, this world-class sanctuary will be designed to provide a haven for dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and goats, embodying a holistic approach—in the spirit of Ohana—to animal welfare that blends compassion, innovation, and education.
A Sanctuary Like No Other
The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary is more than just a refuge; it will be a state-of-the-art sanctuary that redefines the standard of care for animals in need. Our sanctuary will feature cutting-edge amenities tailored to meet the diverse needs of our residents, ensuring that each animal receives the highest quality of care and rehabilitation. From spacious enclosures and comfortable living quarters to specialized medical facilities and enrichment areas, every aspect of our sanctuary will be crafted to foster healing and well-being.
The Spirit of Ohana
The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary represents a deep commitment to the spirit of ohana, which means family in Hawaiian culture. Here, we believe that animals are not just companions—they are cherished members of our extended family. The concept of ohana embodies love, care, and responsibility, and it drives everything we do at the sanctuary. From providing a safe, nurturing environment to helping animals find forever homes, we honor the bond between humans and animals as one of mutual respect and devotion. Our goal is to ensure that every animal is treated as a valued part of the ohana—a beloved family member for life.
A Commitment to Healing and Rehabilitation
Our primary mission is to offer a safe and nurturing environment for animals that have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. At The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary, we will be committed to providing comprehensive medical treatment, behavioral therapy, and emotional support to help each animal recover and thrive. Our dedicated team of veterinarians, behaviorists, and caregivers will work collaboratively to address the unique needs of each resident, promoting both physical and psychological healing.
Innovative Care and Enrichment
In addition to our exceptional medical and behavioral care, we will place a strong emphasis on enrichment and quality of life. Our sanctuary will be designed to offer a variety of stimulating activities and environments that cater to the natural behaviors and needs of our residents. From expansive play areas for dogs and interactive enrichment for cats to specialized exercise programs for horses and socialization opportunities for pigs and goats, we will ensure that each animal’s physical and emotional needs are met.
A Sanctuary Rooted in Hawaiian Culture and Universal Values
The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of Hawaiian culture, which shape everything we do. At the heart of our sanctuary is the Hawaiian value of ohana—the belief that we are all connected, and that animals are not just pets, but treasured family members deserving of care, respect, and love.
Our sanctuary is built on five core values:
Trust: We are committed to earning the trust of our community, our supporters, and most importantly, the animals we care for. Trust is the foundation of every relationship, and we foster it through transparency, integrity, and dedication.
Love: The sanctuary is a place where love for animals is central to our mission. We show love not just through care, but by treating each animal with the same compassion and kindness we would offer to our own families.
Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of Hawaiian culture and at the core of everything we do. We act with empathy and understanding, recognizing the hardships many of these animals have faced and giving them the chance to heal and thrive in a safe environment.
Execution: We believe that great intentions must be met with action. At Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary, we work tirelessly to turn our vision into reality—through effective programs, efficient operations, and a relentless focus on making sure every animal in our care receives the help they need.
Impact: Our ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact, both in the lives of the animals we rescue and in the community we serve. By following these values, we aim to transform the landscape of animal welfare in Hawaii, making a meaningful difference for generations to come.
Rooted in these values, our sanctuary is a beacon of hope, bringing the Hawaiian spirit to life by creating a place where animals are truly treated as part of the ohana.
Educational and Community Outreach
The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary will not only be a sanctuary but also a center for education and advocacy. We believe that fostering a deeper understanding of animal welfare is crucial to creating a more compassionate world. Our educational programs will be designed to engage and inform the community about responsible pet ownership, animal care, and the importance of preventing abuse and neglect. Through workshops, tours, and community events, we will aim to raise awareness and inspire positive change for generations.
A Vision for the Future
Our vision for The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary will extend beyond immediate care. We will be dedicated to advancing animal welfare through research, collaboration, and innovation. By partnering with local organizations, veterinary schools, and animal welfare advocates, we will seek to enhance our practices and contribute to broader efforts in animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Join Us in Our Mission
The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary invites you to be part of our journey towards a world where every animal receives the care and respect they deserve. Whether through volunteering, adopting, or supporting our initiatives, your involvement will help us provide exceptional care and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
At The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary, we will be committed to transforming lives and fostering a brighter future for animals in need. Join us in making a meaningful impact, one animal at a time, and help us create a sanctuary where love, healing, and hope flourish.