About

What are we? 

Blackbird Ranch Sanctuary is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization (Tax ID#82-2885644) nestled into the beautiful rolling hills of the Palouse region in Eastern Washington. We are about 10 miles North of Pullman. We offer refuge and sanctuary to abused, neglected and exploited farm animals. Many of our rescued farm animals were at one time victims of the food industry, and with the help of kind individuals, were liberated and brought to Blackbird Ranch for lifetime sanctuary. Although we are a very small sanctuary, on 10 acres, our residents include goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks. We strive to create a safe, loving, enriching environment for which these amazing animals can live out their natural lives. Our animals will only ever know love, compassion, respect and dignity. We thank you for your interest in Blackbird Ranch, and hope to see you soon!

What’s in a name?

We get asked, why the name Blackbird Ranch? Is it because there are a lot of blackbirds there?

Although, indeed, there are a lot of blackbirds that live by the ranch, that is not the reason why the name was chosen. The reference to a blackbird was inspired by the Beatles song, “Blackbird”. Though the song was originally written for the civil rights movement, we felt the beautiful lyrics represented the plight of the animals we are trying to save. Whether it be the injured or orphaned wildlife that arrive here for rehabilitation, or the farm animals that are broken down emotionally and physically, they all come to Blackbird Ranch for one common goal: healing. To us, the song is about overcoming those physical and emotional obstacles and learning to fly and be free again.

“Blackbird” by The Beatles

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.