‘It’s not an easy day’: Celestial Farms says goodbye, animals will be rehomed

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Celestial Farms on Jacksonville’s Northside said a very difficult and emotional goodbye to its many visitors Friday.

The animal sanctuary, on Duval Road, is officially closed, after fighting to stay afloat for years.

Celestial Farms helped abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals -- and also served as an educational organization.

Action News Jax spoke with Veronica Crider, the executive director on Friday.

“It’s not an easy day,” Crider said.

The nonprofit has been around for 22 years, and the farm has been at its current site for 11 years.

The animals will be relocated to local rescues and vetted farms, and almost all have placements as of Friday.

“We do have a few roosters and a few pot-bellied pigs that we’re still looking for more shelters for, but even yesterday I had two more rescues contact us to be able to network with them,” Crider said.

Crider said financially they couldn’t hold on any longer, as they’ve been struggling for a long time.

“I know the community still wanted to support, but it’s just not meant for right now,” Crider said.

The farm created a safe space for many.

“For the past two weeks I’ve had so many people coming to me and saying what a difference it’s made in their lives by coming to the farm -- and just being able to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility that was here,” Crider said.

Quinn is a farm visitor and shared why she loves coming to the farm.

“Feeding the animals because they are very kind and sweet,” Quinn said.

Kate Evling lived on a farm as a child.

“I feel like it just builds a connection with nature and animals,” Evling said. “It’s a good thing for kids to experience.”

Crider said the future of the site is unknown, but she could not be more grateful for the support the farm has received through the years.

“A lot of people really benefited from healing the animals,” Crider said. “It helped heal them too.”

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