When you think of rescued animals, dogs and cats usually come to mind but what about rescued llamas, donkeys, goats, kangaroos, pigs, tortoises, birds, and camels? Well Marley Farms in Gilbert, Arizona has them all and yes, they even have rescued dogs who are looking for wonderful forever homes. Marley Farms was started in 2007 by Jessica and Shea Hillenbrand so they could have an equine facility, petting zoo, and farm for rescued and neglected animals. If the name Shea Hillenbrand sounds familiar, it’s because Hillenbrand was a professional baseball player. He played with teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants.
According to the Hillenbrands, Marley Farms is built on a strong work ethic that creates a safe environment for challenged children, connecting them with and educating them about abused and neglected animals while inspiring productive life values.
Marley Farms
The farm has 135 stalls (for both indoor and outdoor horse boarding) as well as huge pastures and arenas. The petting zoo is the product of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Against All Odds, which the Hillenbrands started in 2007 to give back to the community. The Hillenbrands take in animals, give them veterinary care and get them to the point where they are available for adoption but in the meantime, they live a wonderful life at Marley Farms.
My Visit
My parents and I were fortunate enough to visit Marley Farms in Gilbert, Arizona at a time when no other visitors were there; consequently we received a private tour by the veterinarian (who, along with Shea and Jessica Hillenbrand, works tirelessly to care for the animals). He knew every animal by name, their back story, their personality and everything they’ve had done (e.g. surgery). The animals are clearly part of the family at Marley Farms.
My father’s favorite animal was James, the retired camel, who was gentle yet full of personality. I loved one of the miniature donkeys and my mother like Pippi, who is a zonkey: a cross between a donkey and a zebra. Pippi reminded me of my dog – constantly begging for more food even though he was just fed one second ago. I also enjoyed going into the pen with the goats although some were shy, others were quite happy to say, “Hello!”
All of the animals are well cared for and loved, and although some might worry about animals outside in the desert sun, Marley Farms has something I’ve never seen before at an outdoor animal facility: misters. They also have a plethora of shaded areas, barns, pens, and even more trees are being planted to provide additional shade.
Children
It is a great place for children of all ages to visit but the petting zoo is also available to local youth groups to help them go from scared and insecure kids to happy, confident and secure individuals. Marley Farms in Gilbert, Arizona is a win-win for everyone.
Schools and children’s groups can also visit Marley Farms and for a very special birthday party, why not hold your child’s next celebration at the petting zoo? They’ll get a train ride around the farm and an opportunity to interact with the animals. Children will have an opportunity to see that all animals (like Tres, the three-legged goat) deserve to be loved and cared for no matter what their situation.
Donations
The cost to enter the petting zoo is just $3 and a bag of fee is only $1. That money goes back to Against All Odds but caring for the animals and farm does not come cheap so donations are always welcome. Financial donations as well supplies and people to volunteer their time are very much needed at Marley Farms in Gilbert, Arizona.
Some of the supplies needed at the farm are:An old school bus, building and fencing supplies,water hoses,dog beds and crates, towels and blankets, dog houses, dog food, dog bowls, dog bones, toys for dogs, horse halters, horse saddles, shampoo, fly spray, buckets, tack for training horses, play items for goats, leashes and collars.
To make a tax deductable donation to the Against All Odds Foundation, mail your check to Against All Odds, 26601 S. Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85249.
Feed Store
In addition to horse boarding and the petting zoo, there is a feed store at Marley Farms in Gilbert, Arizona. The store carries a large variety of supplies like pet food, collars, leashes, toys, beds, as well as tack and cute gifts for humans in their boutique. Tickets to the petting zoo may be purchased at the feed store. Children under two years-old get in free.
Pony Ride
For a special treat, visit Marley Farms on Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. where your child can ride a pony for just $3 (with all proceeds going to care for the animals).
Hours
Marley Farms is open from Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location
Marley Farms is located at 26601 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona, 85249. To learn more and see some of the animals available for adoption, visit Marleyfarms.com.
