Harnett County animal sanctuary recognizes the values of interacting with nature

“It's really not a zoo,” Cory Freeman, the founder of the sanctuary, said.

She believes this interaction with animals can heal when you're hurting.

“It's magic, it's really magic,” Freeman explains. “If you can come and breathe, and not be worried about getting to work the next day and making enough money to pay that bill, or whether your kid can walk to the store safely, if you can just have a few minutes away from that, that's valuable.”

Kangaroos roam the grounds freely while other animals such as a two-toed sloth and monkeys are caged and well cared for.

“The bulk of our animals are either rescued or re-homed. We are in it for the education,” Freeman said, “but we're also in it for the recognition that that everyone can make a difference.”

That difference can be a small one, like fulfilling a lifelong dream of a young girl standing just three feet from a two-toed sloth.

“I've always wanted to see one,” says one girl leaning close to the cage. “I love sloths.”

It also could be the difference between staying home or taking the family out for an adventure.

Shante Godwin recently visited the farm when she was in town visiting family.

“I think it's awesome that they have all these many animals, and children can come see,” Godwin said while wandering the sanctuary with with her two sons and husband.

But for Freeman, Animal Ed.venture Sanctuary delivers on the word “sanctuary."

“I've just been on my own search for peace," she said, “and as I began to recognize my personal power to create my own peace, that's another thing I really want to share."

Shante Godwin appreciates the effort. “I think that's an awesome thought,” she said. “You know, it's a place where people can come clear their mind.”

The sanctuary is now planning a program to allow active-duty and military veterans free admission, to help heal the wounds of war.