Black Beauty Ranch

“I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends. 

My troubles are all over, and I am at home.” 

Inspired by the final words of Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, our mission is built on compassion, hope, and second chances. The quote encapsulates the heart of what we strive for: a life of peace and dignity for every animal that finds refuge at Black Beauty Ranch. For more than 40 years, we’ve provided a safe haven for animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, and exploitation—giving them the forever home they deserve.

Our Story: Black Beauty Ranch, nestled in the quiet countryside of Murchison, Texas, is a world-renowned sanctuary for animals in need. Founded in 1979 by author and passionate animal supporter Cleveland Amory, the ranch sprawls across more than 1,400 acres and serves as a forever home to over 600 domestic and exotic animals representing 42 diverse species.

Many residents were rescued from harrowing conditions—saved from slaughterhouses, freed from biomedical research labs, or liberated from trophy hunting operations. Others were victims of roadside zoos or the cruel exotic pet trade. Now, they roam in peace: bison and cattle, horses and burros, deer and apes, reptiles and tigers—all living with dignity, safety, and space to heal.

Help Our Primates Thrive at Black Beauty Ranch: At Black Beauty Ranch, we believe every primate deserves a life filled with comfort, dignity, and joy. This Giving Day for Apes, we're setting out to raise $3,000 to support our core mission — delivering world-class care to the incredible animals who call our sanctuary home.

Your donation fuels every aspect of their wellbeing, including:

• Nutritious, species-appropriate diets
• State-of-the-art veterinary services
• Top-tier husbandry
• Thoughtfully enhanced habitats
•  Customized enrichment that inspires natural behavior

We stand firmly behind the principle that animals shouldn’t merely be free from suffering — they should flourish. That means experiencing freedom from pain, fear, stress, hunger, and disease, while living in enriched environments that promote social connection, exploration, and expression of innate behaviors.

                                                       Your generosity helps us ensure our residents don’t just survive — they thrive.

 

2024 Spotlight: Princessa!

Princessa has spent her entire life at Black Beauty Ranch, where she reigns with gentle grace and unmistakable flair. True to her name, she embodies the spirit of royalty — playful, elegant, and delightfully particular. Brightly colored toys are her favorites, and she’ll gleefully engage with anything that catches her eye.

Her days are filled with sun-soaked lounging, savoring fresh fruits, and chattering amiably with her nearby companions. Ever inquisitive, Princessa keeps a watchful eye on her surroundings, and never hesitates to let us know when something’s not quite right. She’s as curious as she is confident — a beloved presence that brings warmth and personality to every corner of the ranch.

          

Please Support Us! Your Donations at Work:

Donate $10 to provide enrichment snacks for the primates for a week $10

Donate $25 to provide produce for the primates for a week $25

Donate $125 to provide nuts for one month $125

Donate $250 to buy a large enrichment item for the primates  $250

Donate $500 to provide veterinary care $500

“The animals we have rescued are not with us just to be looked at, 

but first and foremost, to be looked after.” 

~ Cleveland Amory, Ranch of Dreams

Photography credit for the page: Becky Koesel and Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for animals

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