For decades, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in Farmington, Wisconsin has been a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated animals—from baby Bengal tigers to native wildlife like deer, elk, and bears. Families visit to learn about nature. Animals find a second chance. And the people who built it have poured their hearts into creating something special.

Now, all of that is at risk.

A lawsuit filed by two neighbors threatens to shut Shalom down entirely. They allege the sanctuary expanded improperly and raise concerns about animal enclosures, yet Shalom’s operators insist they've complied with all permits and provide a high standard of care. While the case winds through the courts, the sanctuary's future hangs in the balance.

This petition isn’t about ignoring neighbors’ concerns. It’s about making sure we don’t punish an entire sanctuary and its animals over zoning disputes or fears that haven’t been proven.

If Shalom is forced to close, where will these animals go? Many cannot be released into the wild. Others have lived peacefully for years in environments designed for their long-term care. Uprooting them would be traumatic, and in some cases, dangerous.

We urge Washington County Animal Services and the Town of Farmington to publicly affirm their support for Shalom’s continued operations while the legal process unfolds. If there are genuine safety issues, let experts address them through proper inspections—not lawsuits. And if permits need updating, work collaboratively rather than resorting to tactics that could destroy what’s taken decades to build.

Let’s make it clear: Wisconsin stands with Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, and the hundreds of animals whose lives depend on it.

Photo: Washington County Insider