The story of Sage Mountain Animal Sanctuary: A Local Speaker Series event

PARK CITY, Utah—What began as a simple idea sketched on a napkin in a coffee shop has grown into a thriving sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Lauren Lockey, co-founder of Sage Mountain Animal Sanctuary, will share the sanctuary’s story and mission on March 4 as part of the Local Speaker Series at the Park City Library.

Lockey and co-founder, Dave Swartz, established Sage Mountain in 2016, but the vision started years earlier. Originally, she imagined creating a horse rescue, but as she learned more about the realities of the animal agriculture industry, her focus shifted. “Utah is a large animal agriculture state,” she said. “We thought, maybe we could do something with farm animals. Since we were already vegetarian at the time and cared about what was going on, we started talking about how we could do it.”

While caring for a horse in Peoa, Lockey frequently drove past a bank-owned property for sale in Browns Canyon. “I said, ‘Let’s just go look at it.’ We couldn’t beat the price, so we decided, ‘Let’s do it,’” she said. “It pushed us forward faster than we expected.” Soon the nonprofit was established and they began building facilities, and welcomed their first two rescues, pigs named Pony Boy and Wilma Jean, in 2016.

Challenges and Growth

Despite Lockey’s lifelong experience with animals, running a sanctuary required a steep learning curve. “I grew up around animals but really knew nothing about pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and sheep,” she said. Early obstacles included building adequate shelters, managing expenses, and finding community support. “We’re used to helping dogs, cats, even horses, but these animals are different because we’ve been conditioned to consume them,” she said. “It took time to get people on board.”

Winter brought additional hurdles. “We didn’t realize how tough the winters would be until we actually experienced one out there,” Lockey said. Snowdrifts sometimes made gates impassable, and volunteers carried hay bales uphill by hand. “Now, we’re finally building a barn, but it’s been a long journey.”

Rescue Stories and Impact

Today, Sage Mountain is home to 40 rescued animals, each with a story of survival. All of the animals stories are striking, but when pushed, Lockey shared Morgan’s: A pig who fell from a transport truck bound for slaughter, Morgan was found scraped up on the roadside. “No one claimed him, so we took him in,” Lockey said. “He was just three months old, destined for a finishing barn, and now he’s one of the sweetest, most gentle giants.”

Morgan’s transformation symbolizes what Lockey sees daily—animals who, despite past suffering, embrace life with resilience and trust. “They teach us about forgiveness, about opening up again,” she said. “People connect with their stories, and maybe even with their own.”

The Barn at Sage Mountain: A New Chapter

A long-awaited addition, The Barn at Sage Mountain will revolutionize daily operations. “It’s a game changer,” Lockey said. “Right now, in winter, the animals are crammed into small shelters because the snow is too deep for them to move around.” The barn will provide expanded space, separate feeding areas, a quarantine zone for sick animals, and an on-site caretaker’s residence. “It will make life easier for the animals, our volunteers, and our employees,” she said.

Beyond its practical benefits, the barn will allow Sage Mountain to host year-round events. “We’ll be able to continue our yoga program, hold fundraisers, and maybe even host vegan weddings,” she said. “It’s about deepening the connection between people and these incredible animals.”

Shifting Perceptions, Changing Hearts

Education is a cornerstone of Sage Mountain’s mission. “The biggest misconception is that these animals don’t feel,” Lockey said. “But when you spend time with them, you realize they do—they grieve, they love, they bond.”

She recalled an unforgettable moment with two goats, Louie and Lenny. When Lenny was euthanized due to a severe injury, Louie mourned. “He lay beside him, then came to each of us, resting his head on our shoulders as if to say, ‘I feel it too.’”

Lockey hopes that such moments will shift perspectives. “Once you hear their stories, it’s hard to see them as anything but individuals.”

A Future of Compassion and Healing

Looking ahead, Lockey envisions Sage Mountain as a sanctuary not just for animals, but for people. “I want it to be a place where people can come, stay, and heal,” she said. “During COVID, people found solace here, connecting with animals in a way that brought them peace. I want that to continue.”

She also dreams of expanding Sage Mountain’s outreach. “We need to go beyond Summit County and Utah. Sage Mountain can be a beacon for change.”

For those inspired to help, Lockey suggests small but meaningful actions: visiting a sanctuary, learning about plant-based alternatives, and staying informed about ethical food choices. “It’s not about being perfect, but about making conscious choices that align with our values.”

Lockey’s talk at the Park City Library is free and open to the public, register here. More information about Sage Mountain Animal Sanctuary can be found at sagemtn.org.