Rather than simply donating to existing causes, these actors, musicians, and public figures went a step further by founding their own sanctuaries and rescue organizations.
From abandoned farm animals to endangered wildlife, these sanctuaries reflect a deep personal commitment that extends far beyond the spotlight.
Amanda Seyfried
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Away from film sets, Amanda Seyfried has built something far more personal on her farm in upstate New York. Alongside her husband, Thomas Sadoski, she runs a registered nonprofit sanctuary that provides a permanent home for dozens of rescued animals.
The property is home to an eclectic mix—aging horses, abandoned chickens, senior cats, and even a decades-old pony—many of them considered too difficult or too old to rehome elsewhere. Seyfried has described the work as grounding, a daily commitment that replaces Hollywood noise with something quieter but far more demanding, centered on care, patience, and second chances.
Jon Stewart and Tracey Stewart
For Jon and Tracey Stewart, animal advocacy has evolved into full-time stewardship. Their New Jersey property, known as Hockhockson Farm Foundation, operates as a refuge for animals rescued from factory farming and abandonment, including pigs, goats, sheep, and horses.
Working closely with Farm Sanctuary, the couple has helped relocate and rehabilitate animals that might otherwise have been euthanized or slaughtered. Tracey Stewart, who has a background as a veterinary technician, plays a central role in education and outreach, while the sanctuary itself reflects a long-term commitment to both rescue and reform.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande turned her long-standing love for animals into a structured mission with the launch of Orange Twins Rescue in 2020. Based in Los Angeles, the nonprofit focuses on rescuing and rehoming abandoned and mistreated animals, with particular attention given to those requiring extra care, including seniors and special-needs cases.
Grande’s involvement is not limited to backing the initiative—she has personally adopted numerous rescue dogs and consistently amplifies adoption efforts through her platform. Rooted in her advocacy as a vegan, the project reflects a broader commitment to animal welfare that extends well beyond celebrity visibility.
Tippi Hedren
“The Birds” made Tippi Hedren a household name, but her most enduring legacy may lie far from Hollywood. After the chaotic production of “Roar”—which involved living alongside dozens of untrained big cats—Hedren committed to giving those animals a permanent, protected home rather than allowing them to be sold or exploited.
That decision led to the creation of Shambala Preserve in California, an expansive refuge for lions, tigers, and other exotic species rescued from circuses, private owners, and roadside attractions. Over time, Hedren’s role shifted from caretaker to influential advocate, helping push for stronger restrictions on private ownership of wild animals.
Millie Bobby Brown
In recent years, Millie Bobby Brown has shifted much of her energy toward animal rescue, building a sanctuary on her Georgia farm with her husband, Jake Bongiovi. The property, operated under the name Joey’s Friends, shelters more than 60 rescued animals, ranging from dogs and cats to goats, horses, and even a blind donkey.
Many of the animals arrive after experiencing neglect, requiring patience and rehabilitation before they can safely settle or be rehomed. Brown has also taken a hands-on role beyond the farm itself, assisting in rescue efforts and reunifications.
Kaley Cuoco
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Kaley Cuoco’s commitment to animal rescue is rooted less in formal structure and more in daily practice. At her private ranch in Ventura County, she cares for a wide mix of rescued animals—including dogs, livestock, and even a zonkey—many of which might struggle to find homes elsewhere.
While the property isn’t a public sanctuary, it functions as a long-term refuge supported by her ongoing partnerships with groups like Paw Works and Maeday Rescue. Cuoco has been particularly vocal about adopting senior and special-needs animals, using both her platform and resources to shift attention toward those often overlooked.
