Five Amazing Things We Love About Our Sanctuary Residents! ๐
#1: Pigs can learn tricks like โsitโ and come when their name is called!
Wilbur learned a new feeding routine in just three visits! Now, whenever he sees me coming with a handful of blueberries, he runs over to his designated feeding spot and sits on command. His friend Harold also knows โsitโ AND โtwirlโ too! Smart and adorable! ๐
#2: Chickens can recognize over 100 faces (both flock members & humans) and have complex social lives!
Molly recognizes me whenever I visit and loves following me around while I do chores because she knows I always have treats in my pocket! ๐ If Iโm not sharing them fast enough, sheโll flap her wings and jump up to get my attention!
#3: Rabbits โbinkyโ when theyโre happy!
Barney, who has found his furever home with one of our board members, loves to suddenly leap up, do a crazy twist, and kick his feet as he flies through the air when heโs feeling especially joyful! ๐ Itโs called a binky, and itโs one of the cutest things youโll ever see! ๐ You can see him in action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXi9a1gjvGF/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
#4: Sheep have best friends!
Dusty, like many sheep, forms close friendships and prefers spending time with certain companionsโfor him, thatโs his best friend, Meadow. ๐ฅฐ The pair graze, nap, and explore together and can become stressed when separated. Just like us, their relationships matter deeply to them!
#5: Tortoises have favorite foods and personalities!
Littlefoot, our giant tortoise, ADORES munching on hibiscus flower treats! ๐บ He used to be shy, but now he loves greeting visitors like our LEAP campers and having his shell rubbed.
Every animal is someone, not something.
At Only Sunshine Sanctuary, we love getting to know each resident's unique personality, friendships, favorite foods, quirks, and preferences. We believe every animal deserves to be seen and respected as the unique and sentient individual they are. Animals are friends, not food!
References
1. Steampunk Farms Rescue Barn. (2026, May 11). Are Pigs Intelligent? What the Research Actually Says. Steampunk Farms Rescue Barn; Steampunk Farms Rescue Barn Inc. https://www.steampunkfarms.org/resources/are-pigs-intelligent
Broom, D. M., Sena, H., & Moynihan, K. L. (2009). Pigs learn what a mirror image represents and use it to obtain information. Animal Behaviour, 78(5), 1037โ1041.
Croney Research Group, Center for Animal Welfare Science (Purdue University). Operant learning and welfare research on domestic pigs.
Edinburgh Animal Behaviour and Cognition Group (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh). Spatial cognition and observational learning in farm animals.
Held, S. D. E., et al. Welfare-science research on pig social cognition and emotional contagion. Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol.
Horback, K. M., et al. Individual personality and social cognition in domestic pigs. UC Davis Animal Science.
Marino, L., & Colvin, C. M. (2015). Thinking pigs: A comparative review of cognition, emotion, and personality in Sus domesticus. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 28. (Review-style synthesis source.)
2. Nicol, C. J. (2010). Farm animal cognition. Animal Science, 62(3), 375โ391. doi:10.1017/S1357729800014934
3. Toronto Humane Society. (2026, May 8). Why Do Rabbits โBinky?โ Toronto Humane Society. https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/why-do-rabbits-binky/
4. Kendrick, K., da Costa, A., Leigh, A. et al. (2001). Sheep don't forget a face. Nature 414, 165โ166. https://doi.org/10.1038/35102669