An emu will happily take an apple slice from you, but you’d be wise to set it on the fence first. That big bird has serious power behind its beak.
The apples come sliced and ready in a pail. Pigs trot over wagging their tails, and pigeons coo like a room full of purring cats.
I like how every animal here arrived with a backstory. Volunteers share how each one was rescued, so your snack run turns into story time.
This farm in New Jersey opens to the public on just one day a week.
I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Saturday morning with kids. Cows, alpacas, donkeys, and goats all wait down the path.
So which resident will win your last apple slice?
A Quiet Cumberland County Farm With A Big Second-Chance Mission
Out in the farm country of South Jersey sits Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary built around one simple idea. Animals that land here get a second chance and a place to stay for life.
Owners Jamie and Tara run the property with a lot of heart and plenty of hard work. Their facilities were built with care by the owners and kept up by a crew of dedicated volunteers.
Don’t expect a tiny petting corner with a few bored goats. The grounds feel closer to a small zoo in size, with wide pastures, pens, a pond, and even nature trails.
The goal goes beyond showing off cute faces. Residents receive whatever care they need when they arrive, and that attention continues throughout their lives at the sanctuary.
Space matters here too. The farm aims to give its animals more room to roam than they strictly need, which helps avoid crowding in the pens and pastures.
That mission shapes everything you’ll see on a visit. Clean enclosures, relaxed animals, and friendly people all point back to a rescue that takes its promise seriously.
Your Ticket To Every Snout And Beak Costs One Apple
Forget fancy feed dispensers. At Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, the snack of choice is a simple apple, sliced up and dropped into a plastic pail for you.
A staff member near the front entrance handles the apples and points you toward the animals. Then you’re off, pail in hand, ready to make a lot of new friends.
Feeding happens as you stroll from one area to the next. Many animals will eat right from your hands, which makes even quick stops feel personal.
Pigs seem especially thrilled about the arrangement. They trot up to the fence making little snorting sounds, tails wagging, waiting for their slice.
A few residents call for extra caution, though. The emus can be bold about asking, so placing the apple on the fence works better than holding it out.
Budget a few extra slices if you can. Once the turkeys, goats, and donkeys notice your pail, you’ll understand why one apple disappears faster than you planned.
The apple purchases also help the farm keep running. Every slice you hand over supports animals who depend on visitors to stay fed and cared for.
Every Resident Comes With A Rescue Story Worth Hearing
Here’s a petting zoo twist you won’t see coming. The animals at this sanctuary aren’t just there to look adorable, because each one has a past.
Volunteers walking the grounds are happy to share background on the animals. They explain how each resident was rescued and how it ended up in Cumberland County.
Jamie often talks with guests about the origins of his mission too. Hearing why the farm exists adds real meaning to what could otherwise be a casual walk.
Kids especially seem to latch onto these tales. Families with young ones enjoy meeting the animals and learning their stories, turning a field trip into a lesson in kindness.
The team brings real knowledge along with friendliness. They’re passionate about rescue work and treat every animal with dignity, which shows in how they talk about them.
Got a question about a particular pig or cow? Ask away, since staff and volunteers take time to explain who’s who.
Leaving with a name and a story attached to a face makes the trip stick. You may even find yourself rooting for a goat you just met.
Pigs The Size Of Small Cars And Cows To Match
Some of these pigs are big enough to earn a dinosaur nickname. Their enclosures include grass, trees, shade, sunny patches, and just enough mud for happy rolling.
Several pig areas sit along the route, so you’ll get plenty of chances to share apples. Watch for the tail wags as they hurry toward the fence.
Head farther toward the back and the scale grows again. Cow pastures stretch out there, and the cattle are seriously impressive in size.
The alpaca area sits back here as well. At times you might spot a mother alpaca strolling beside her little one, which is pretty much peak cuteness.
Horses have their own large pasture near the start of the walk. They have room to romp, which says a lot about how this farm uses its land.
Goats and donkeys round out the hoofed crowd. Two livestock guardian dogs keep watch over them, adding a working-farm feel to the whole scene.
Bring patience with the bigger animals. They’re gentle giants in comfy spaces, and giving them a moment to come to you makes feeding time smoother.
Feathered Escorts, Purring Pigeons, And One Very Bold Emu
Don’t be surprised if turkeys tag along as you start your walk. A squad of them sometimes roams with a few chickens, acting like the farm’s welcome committee.
Cats can greet you near the entrance too. Between the cats and the birds, it’s hard to tell who is really in charge.
The bird lineup runs deep. You’ll find chickens, peacocks, and pigeons whose cooing sounds a lot like dozens of cats purring at once.
Down by the pond, ducks and geese splash around. Emus wander nearby, and these tall birds aren’t shy about asking for a snack.
A quick safety tip makes a big difference. Set your apple slice on the fence and let the emu grab it, since that powerful bird means business.
Kids usually love the emus most, and honestly, so do plenty of adults. Their curious faces and odd strut make them a surprising star of the farm.
Bird fans could spend a good chunk of time in this area alone. The sounds, colors, and personalities change around every corner.
Trails, Open Views, And Room For Every Kind Of Visitor
Grandparents, toddlers, solo wanderers, and couples all fit right in on this New Jersey farm. The variety of animals keeps every age entertained.
Beyond the pens, the property has nature trails to walk. That gives grown-ups a peaceful reason to visit even without little ones in tow.
The landscape itself is a big draw. Wide pastures and open views make the farm feel calm, a nice change from busy weekend errands.
Cleanliness stands out across the grounds. Enclosures stay tidy, and the whole place feels safe and well-kept for both animals and guests.
Families tend to find it an easy outing. Staff go out of their way to make sure groups have fun, including those bringing several grandkids along.
Wear comfortable shoes, since the farm covers a lot of ground. Walking from the horses to the alpacas in back is part of the adventure.
Animals and kids both seem to have a ball here. Still, the quiet trails and gentle sounds make it just as appealing for a slow, thoughtful stroll.
Saturday Is The Only Day To Plan Around
Mark your calendar carefully, because the gates open to visitors only on Saturdays. Hours run from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Every other day of the week, the farm stays closed to the public. A morning arrival gives you the most time to wander before closing.
You’ll find the sanctuary at 229 Newport-Centre Grove Rd, Cedarville, NJ 08311. It sits in rural Cumberland County, so a car is your best bet.
Parking is available across the street from the farm. From there, a short walk brings you to the front entrance where apples are sold.
Bring a little cash for apples and an extra bit for a donation. Your visits and gifts help keep the rescue going for its many residents.
Special events pop up during the year, including holiday happenings with a Santa visit. Checking the farm’s Facebook page before you go helps you catch these.
Weather matters for an outdoor trip like this one. Dress for the season and expect some walking on farm ground between pastures.
Why This Farm Deserves A Spot On Your Weekend List
Few Saturday outings let you feed an emu, meet a giant pig, and learn a rescue story before lunch. Freedom Farm Animal Rescue packs all of that into four hours.
What really sells it is the mission behind the fun. Every slice you hand over and every dollar you donate supports animals getting a second chance.
The people make it shine too. Jamie, Tara, and their volunteers bring warmth and know-how that turn a casual stop into something meaningful.
New Jersey has plenty of weekend options, but this one feels different. It mixes farm charm, open land, and a clear purpose you can see in every pasture.
Families will love the hands-on feeding. Adults on their own can enjoy the trails, the views, and the soothing chorus of birds.
Plan for a Saturday, grab your pail of apples, and take your time. Cows, alpacas, donkeys, and a few cheeky turkeys will be waiting.
You might leave with sticky hands and a new favorite animal. Chances are good you’ll start planning a return trip on the drive home.
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