WHERE WE ARE NOW
About Sisu Refuge
Sisu Refuge is a sanctuary dedicated to providing care and refuge to farmed animals, primarily rescued pigs from commercial farming operations. Through compelling storytelling, we share the remarkable journeys of our residents, showcasing their personalities and experiences to empower them to advocate for themselves and inspire empathy with our audience.
Located on a stunning 47+ acre property in Duplin County, North Carolina—the most intensively factory-farmed region on the planet—Sisu Refuge stands as a beacon of hope. This same county is home to the world’s largest pig slaughterhouse, killing over 33,000 pigs daily. Despite pigs outnumbering humans 29:1 in the region, they remain hidden from public view, confined within Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). At Sisu Refuge, however, these animals live freely and safely, surrounded by compassion and care.
Our mission is twofold: to provide an exceptional quality of life for each animal in our care and to inspire people to make choices that reduce harm and suffering—for animals, for others, and for our planet. Farmed animals are the most abused and exploited beings on Earth. At Sisu Refuge, we prioritize rescuing those who need us most while championing their inherent right to live free from harm.
Mission, Vision, & Values
Our mission is to rescue and protect the most exploited animals on the planet while empowering individuals to make compassionate, sustainable choices that reduce harm to animals, people, and the environment. Through powerful storytelling and education, we challenge the deeply rooted norms of animal exploitation and encourage people to see animals as individuals deserving of respect and care.
We envision a world where all living beings are free from harm and exploitation. By exposing the hidden realities of factory farming and celebrating the resilience and personalities of our residents, we aim to inspire transformative change and create a kinder, more sustainable future.
Our core values are guided by our faith and our commitment to a compassionate world:
01
Stewardship
Recognizing our Christian responsibility to care for God’s creation and act with love and kindness toward all beings.
02
Compassion
Honoring the individuality and intrinsic worth of every living being.
03
Intergrity
Acting with transparency, dedication, and commitment to our mission.
04
Advocacy
Driving change and building hope from the epicenter of factory farming. Amplifying the voices of the voiceless through education and storytelling.
05
Inclusivity
Creating a welcoming space for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, to join us in fostering empathy.
06
Collaboration
Recognizing the importance of partnerships and collective efforts, we work together with individuals, organizations, and communities to maximize our impact and drive meaningful change.
SISU REFUGE ORIGIN STORY
How Did Sisu Refuge Start?
Founded in 2019, Sisu Refuge emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in 2018 when its founders became the primary responders for pigs escaping the storm’s destruction. Shortly after, the sanctuary’s roots grew further during an extraordinary rescue mission of 42 piglets destined to be gassed. Left with 17 hurricane survivor pigs that no sanctuary would take, the founders created Sisu Refuge out of necessity. Without formal sanctuary status at the time, the founders stepped up simply to help animals in need, igniting a passion that became a full-fledged mission to save lives and inspire change. Operating in a region dominated by factory farming adds unparalleled significance to Sisu Refuge’s work, as we directly challenge norms and foster compassion at the heart of the animal agriculture industry.
Meet The Team
Our process applies techniques from a variety of disciplines distinction in detail and gives careful attention.
Visiting & Volunteering
Our process applies techniques from a variety of disciplines distinction in detail and gives careful attention.
How to Help
Our process applies techniques from a variety of disciplines distinction in detail and gives careful attention.
2025 Impact Tracker… stay tuned!
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Animals Rescued
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