A 46-year-old African sulcata tortoise named Tank lives on a Tennessee farm with emus, pigs, and a blind quarter horse. That’s quite a roommate list. I can’t imagine a more charming crew to share a hillside with.
Every animal here once needed a second chance. Some were unwanted, some were neglected, and some faced rough treatment. Now they get to choose where they nap and sleep. Nobody locks them into a stall at night.
The couple behind it all started with just three goats in East Nashville. Then the mission grew, and grew, and kept on growing. Both founders still work full-time jobs on top of running the farm.
I like how this place treats kindness as a daily chore, not a slogan. So who exactly lives here, and how can you meet them?
Three Goats Started A Movement You Can Now Visit
Plenty of big ideas begin with a business plan. Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary began with a trio of goats in East Nashville.
Jeff and Bonnie Glueck took in those goats and quickly realized more animals needed help. In May 2018, they founded the sanctuary as a forever home for unwanted, abused, or neglected livestock.
The couple didn’t quit their day jobs to do it. They both still work full-time while caring for a growing barnyard family.
That detail says a lot about their dedication. Running a farm is already a full plate, so doing it after a regular workday takes serious heart.
The sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Tennessee. That means your support goes toward a cause, not a company’s bottom line.
Its story also shows how small acts can snowball. Three goats turned into emus, pigs, donkeys, horses, and a famously old tortoise.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether one kind choice matters, here’s your answer. It can grow into an entire hillside of second chances.
Not bad for a project that started with a few hungry goats. Those three clearly had excellent recruiting skills.
A Tortoise Named Tank Has Seen More Birthdays Than Most Visitors
Forty years old and still going strong. Tank, the African sulcata tortoise, might be the most patient resident at the sanctuary.
Sulcata tortoises are among the largest tortoise species in the world. They come from the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, so Tennessee summers probably feel pretty normal to him.
Tank doesn’t rush for anyone. That slow pace makes him a fun lesson in calm for kids who usually sprint everywhere.
He also shows that sanctuary life isn’t only about cows and chickens. Any animal needing a safe place can end up becoming part of the family.
Here’s a fun fact to share on your visit. Sulcatas can live for many decades, so Tank may still have plenty of years ahead.
That kind of lifespan needs a long-term promise. Piccolo Farms gives its animals exactly that, with care meant to last for life.
Watching a tortoise munch greens might not sound thrilling at first. Yet there’s real charm in a creature who has truly mastered taking his time.
Give Tank a respectful hello if you get the chance. He’s earned his senior status fair and square.
Prepare For A Seriously Mixed Crowd Of Furry And Feathered Faces
Emus and miniature horses usually don’t share an address. At Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary, they’re neighbors.
The resident lineup is wonderfully random. You’ll find goats, sheep, donkeys, turkeys, chickens, pigs, and those tall, curious emus.
Two pigs named Twinkie and Captain help represent the snout squad. Their names alone make them worth meeting.
There’s also a blind quarter horse living here. His story is a reminder that special-needs animals deserve comfort and care too.
Each species brings its own personality to the farm. Turkeys strut, donkeys observe, and goats seem convinced everything is a snack.
Kids especially get a lot out of this variety. Seeing animals up close helps them understand that farm critters have moods, quirks, and preferences.
Adults might find themselves surprised, too. It’s easy to forget how expressive a sheep or chicken can be until you spend time nearby.
Bring curiosity and a camera. Just be ready for an emu to stare at you like you’re the strange one in the pasture.
Fluffy Guardians Keep A Watchful Eye On Everyone
Big, white, and endlessly loyal, the Great Pyrenees dogs here have a real job. They guard the sanctuary’s residents.
Great Pyrenees are a classic livestock guardian breed. Shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain used them for centuries to protect flocks.
On a farm full of goats, sheep, and chickens, that instinct matters. These dogs help keep watch so the other animals can rest easier.
They often look relaxed, almost like oversized pillows. Don’t be fooled, though, because their ears stay tuned to anything unusual.
For visitors, they add another layer to the farm’s story. Animals at Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary don’t just receive care, some of them help give it.
A good tip is to follow staff guidance around working dogs. Guardians focus on their flock, and respecting that keeps everyone comfortable.
Kids usually love learning that dogs can have careers. It’s a great way to explain teamwork between different species.
Honestly, it’s hard not to admire them. Few employees show up this fluffy and this committed every single day.
Nobody Gets Locked In Under This Live And Let Live Rule
Freedom of choice isn’t just for people here. Animals pick their own resting and sleeping spots every day.
The sanctuary follows a live and let live philosophy. Instead of confining animals, it lets them decide where they feel most comfortable.
That approach fits the idea of a true sanctuary. These animals aren’t here to produce anything or perform tricks.
They’re simply here to live. Grazing, wandering, napping, and hanging out with friends make up their whole schedule.
It’s a pretty great retirement plan, if you think about it. Many humans would sign up for a similar deal.
About 90 percent of the animals stay for life, according to the sanctuary. This farm truly works as their forever home.
Some animals do get fostered or adopted through careful screening. The team interviews applicants, checks homes, and requires meet-and-greets before any animal leaves.
That level of caution shows how protective the founders are. They want every resident in a place at least as good as this one.
When you visit, notice where animals choose to hang out. Their favorite spots reveal a lot about their personalities.
Open Farm Days Are Your Easiest Ticket To Meet The Gang
Mark your calendar, but check social media first. Open Farm Days get announced online, so following the sanctuary pays off.
These special days usually ask for a donation to enter. That money goes straight toward food, vet care, and upkeep for the animals.
Prefer something more planned? You can also schedule a farm visit to meet the residents.
The sanctuary sits at 4371 Dry Fork Road, Whites Creek, TN 37189. It’s a quick trip north of downtown Nashville, which makes it easy for a half-day outing.
Families with little ones will feel right at home. The farm offers a hands-on way for kids to learn about animals beyond picture books.
One helpful idea is visiting in cooler weather. Spring and fall in Tennessee make outdoor time much more pleasant for everyone.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. Farms are farms, after all, and the goats won’t apologize.
Also remember one firm rule. The sanctuary doesn’t allow visitors to bring meat for picnics or events, which makes perfect sense here.
Solo Visitors Get A Quiet Sunday Treat With Nourish
Some people recharge at the gym. Others do it best sitting quietly near a sheep.
The sanctuary’s Nourish program is designed for single visitors. It offers a two-hour immersive experience with nature and animals on Sundays.
That format feels refreshingly different. There’s no crowd to keep up with, just time to slow down and connect.
Two hours may sound short. Yet spending them away from screens and surrounded by animals can feel like a real reset.
I believe programs like this matter more than ever. Plenty of folks need a calm break, and animals make wonderful listeners.
It’s also a smart pick if you’re shy around big groups. You can enjoy the farm at your own pace.
Before booking, reach out to the sanctuary for current details. Schedules can shift, especially at a farm run by busy volunteers and owners.
Think of Nourish as a gentle pause button for your week. The goats provide the entertainment, and Tennessee countryside handles the scenery.
You might just leave feeling lighter. Nobody here judges you for chatting with a donkey.
Your Next Birthday Party Could Include A Pig Named Captain
Bounce houses are fine. A party with rescued farm animals, though, is unforgettable.
Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary welcomes private events of many kinds. Birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and team-building activities can all happen right on the farm.
Picture coworkers bonding over goat care instead of trust falls. That sounds like a meeting worth showing up for.
Volunteer service days are another option for groups. The sanctuary regularly needs help with cleaning, building projects, events, and farm days.
That makes the farm ideal for school clubs, church groups, or company outreach teams. You’ll get your hands dirty while doing real good.
Event fees and volunteer support help keep the sanctuary running. Since it relies entirely on donations, every bit of help counts.
A practical tip is to plan early and ask about group sizes. The farm is intimate, so coordination makes events smoother.
Also keep the menu meat-free. The no-meat rule applies to events, so plan snacks that fit the setting.
Honestly, a veggie tray seems like a fair trade. The pigs would surely approve of your choices.
Spend The Night Among Vintage Treasures And Barnyard Neighbors
Waking up near emus is not a typical hotel perk. At the Piccolo Farms Retro Ranch, it’s part of the package.
The on-site lodging sits in the Paradise Valley area of the sanctuary. It’s a 2,000-square-foot ranch-style home filled with vintage treasures.
Retro decor fans will feel right at home. It’s a fun contrast to modern rentals that all look the same.
Guests staying at the ranch can arrange one-on-one tours with the animals. That’s a more personal way to learn each resident’s story.
The overnight stays also help fund the sanctuary. Money raised supports feeding, vet care, and upkeep for the rescued animals.
So your weekend getaway doubles as a good deed. That’s a rare combo in vacation planning.
Staying in Whites Creek also keeps you close to Nashville. You can enjoy city fun by day and quiet Tennessee country nights after.
Pack comfy clothes and maybe some boots. Mornings on a working sanctuary start with plenty of hungry mouths.
Hope really does have a home here. Lucky guests get to borrow it for a night or two.
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