Animal Liberation Sanctuary
Kopan Monastery, Nepal

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, in his concern for the welfare of all living beings,  has rescued many animals from being killed or neglected so that they may live out their natural lives in peace and attain a higher rebirth. The purpose-built sanctuary where the animals reside is about 5 minutes walk from Kopan Monastery and includes over 50 and goats and sheep.

Until 2014 the animals were in temporary facilities at the monastery and nunnery. In January 2014 the animals were moved to the new land, which has more space and proper facilities for the needs of the animals.

The sanctuary has a main animal shelter designed to provide a healthy environment throughout Nepal’s contrasting seasons, it has facilities to separate quieter animals from the main flock, and it is designed to reduce water use and waste. The sanctuary has a quarantine area, a treatment room and there is a live-in caretaker. Internal fencing allows parts of the land to be rested from animal browsing and there are areas kept for growing food and for emergencies.

Every year around the world, millions of animals die or suffer needlessly.  In countries like Nepal, the care and management of animals is particularly poor and in addition, Nepal still supports a number of festivals in which animals are violently and brutally ritually slaughtered.

Animals neither live pleasantly nor die peacefully. The vast majority of people are completely ignorant about animal welfare and laws and penalties to protect animals from abuse are insufficient.

The sanctuary benefits rescued animals not only because they are freed from impending death but also because they are exposed to Dharma teachings, regularly hear mantras and are led around holy objects.  This means they create merit and gain the opportunity to escape the lower realms. It also gives people the chance to create merit and purify life-obstacles.

The sanctuary was established to care for animals primarily rescued by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. There is currently no room for people to bring other animals. While people cannot bring new animals, the existing animals do need your help. The costs of caring for the animals is very high (food, shelter, veterinary care and staffing costs). The late Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup explained that the merit of supporting liberated animals is the same as liberating an animal yourself, for without ongoing care and shelter the animals would not survive.

Animals cannot speak out for themselves – they depend on people to care to help them.  Please give your support to rescue animals from a cruel and painful death and to provide a sanctuary where they can live and die with the proper care and love they deserve.

To donate to this project, go to our donate page.