Hercules Haven

Hercules' Haven will rescue and give forever haven to abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals.

Hercules' Haven will help move Iowa and this world to more compassionately see animals for who they are.

Hercules' Haven will help heal the minds, souls and bodies of all that visit.

Hercules' Haven is a forever home to animals in need. They receive medical care, balanced meals, have excellent shelter and wide open spaces, develop enriching relationships with other animals and trained volunteers, and act as ambassadors our guests.

Visitors and participants in externa programs grow in knowledge and empathy. Our curriculum illustrates the intelligence, emotional depth and social complexity of farm animals. Gentle emphasis on a plant based diet raises awareness of animal rights and the environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption.

Hercules' Haven has a 40 acre property, with four barns, pasture land, hay field, pond, 7 acre prairie restoration field, and meeting space for guests. Our volunteer teams maintain the property, care for the animals and raise funds to support the initiative.

As fundraising and volunteer support grow, we welcome more animals and offer more programming. The Haven has grown from 4 acres to 40 in two years.

Our Board of Directors actively serves to grow and lead. Teams focus on Animal Care, Property, Marketing, Fundraising and Event Hosting.

2015 -- Purchased and began renovations of original farm property. We began researching founding a nonprofit organization

2016 -- Continued renovations and welcomed our first animals -- goats, horses, mini pigs.

2017 -- Hosted first public events, filed/received nonprofit status, published web page and grew a social media following, welcomed more horses, and rescued first commercial pigs.

2018 -- Reached capacity of original location and began search for new property. We welcomed a retired racehorse and completed pre-sale renovations. Guests visited for Open Barn Days, and our team hosted educational programming.

2019 -- Purchased a new property and organized the monumental task to move 45 animals. The Haven team completed $60,000 of renovations with ADA compliant access, offered bimonthly Open Barn Days, grew their educational programming, and welcomed more animals in need. In 2019, rescued more animals-- two cows, four potbellied pigs, one large pig, a duck, and four barn cats.