Frequently Asked Questions.
Hidden Bee Farm is a rescue and sanctuary where animals find safety, children learn compassion, and families discover the value of kindness toward all living beings.
This page answers common questions about who we are, how the sanctuary works, how to help, and how to connect with us.
Everything you want to know.
Hidden Bee Farm is a farm animal rescue and sanctuary. Animals placed here are given a safe, stable, permanent home. These are the questions we hear most often.
About the Rescue
Yes. Hidden Bee Animal Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations support lifelong sanctuary care, including feed, veterinary needs, shelter, and daily operations. Tax ID: 87-3587940.
Hidden Bee Farm is both a rescue and a place of education, empathy, and connection. It is shaped by rescue work, family, and a belief that children and adults can learn compassion by being around animals who have their own stories. The farm itself began with an 1843 farmhouse and has been rebuilt piece by piece alongside the animals who arrived here.
No. Hidden Bee Farm Animal Rescue and Hidden Bee Learning are completely separate. Hidden Bee Farm is the rescue and sanctuary and is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Hidden Bee Learning is an independent educational enrichment program and is not part of the nonprofit rescue. Rescue operations and nonprofit funds remain separate from the learning program.
No. Rescue is at the heart of the farm, but Hidden Bee Farm also exists to help children and families grow in empathy, responsibility, and kindness through meaningful connection with animals. Education and community are woven into everything we do.
No. Hidden Bee Farm believes animal welfare is complex. We know people make different choices about farming, food, and animal use. Our focus is humane treatment, stewardship, education, and compassion rather than judgment.
The Animals
Sanctuary means animals placed here are provided lifelong care in a stable environment. We prioritize safety, consistency, and humane treatment. This is a forever home — not a placement waiting for adoption.
We focus on farm animals and similar non-traditional rescues. Intakes depend on space, safety, and our ability to provide long-term care. We may consider goats, pigs, sheep, cows, equines, poultry, and other farm-type animals depending on available space. We do not take dogs or cats.
No. We are a farm animal sanctuary and do not accept dogs or cats.
No. Animals placed here are considered permanent residents. In limited cases, we may work with trusted partners to appropriately place an animal when it is clearly in that animal’s best interest — but this is not the norm. Sanctuary placement is meant to be permanent.
Some rescued animals cannot safely return to traditional farm settings because of age, health needs, disability, or past trauma. Permanent placement gives them stability, safety, and lifelong care — and a consistent environment they can depend on.
Sometimes, only when we are coordinating with licensed partners. Wildlife cases are handled carefully and legally. If you found an injured wild animal, contact us with your location and photos and we’ll point you toward the right next step.
Surrendering an Animal
Possibly. We will ask questions because accepting an animal means committing to long-term care. Expect us to ask about age, temperament, medical history, diet, handling, and whether the animal is intact. Space and safety are always factors.
Photos, location, and the basics: species and breed if known, age, sex, fixed or not, temperament, any known illnesses, current housing setup, and how soon you need placement. The more detail you share, the faster we can make a decision.
Visiting the Farm
No. Hidden Bee Farm is not a daily walk-in attraction. It is a working rescue and sanctuary, so visits are scheduled to protect the animals’ routines and well-being.
Often yes, but by scheduling only. This is an active sanctuary environment. We protect routines and animal stress levels, so planned visits always work best. Reach out through our contact page to ask about availability.
Yes, in the appropriate settings. Children may visit during approved visits, events, or scheduled experiences. Because this is a working rescue and sanctuary, visits are structured with safety and animal welfare in mind.
Yes. Hidden Bee Farm hosts select public events throughout the year, including seasonal and family-friendly experiences. Events vary, so check the website or follow our social media for current information.
Donating & Volunteering
Donations fund lifelong care directly: feed, hay, bedding, veterinary care, farrier work, fencing repairs, shelter maintenance, and emergency medical needs. Every contribution goes toward keeping the animals healthy and safe.
You can still make a real difference. Share our posts, volunteer, sponsor feed for a week, or donate supplies. Consistent support — even small — keeps sanctuary care stable over time.
Often, yes. Feed, hay, bedding, and other practical supplies can help support daily care. Contact the farm or check any wish list or resources page for current needs before purchasing.
Yes. Volunteers are a big part of what keeps the sanctuary running. We do have an application and review process to match people to safe, appropriate roles and protect both animals and volunteers. Reach out through our contact page to learn more.
Other Questions
No. Hidden Bee Learning is independent from Hidden Bee Farm Animal Rescue and is not part of the 501(c)(3). Hidden Bee Learning’s goal is educational enrichment and humane learning experiences. Rescue operations and nonprofit funds remain completely separate.
Dr. Temple Grandin is widely known for her work in humane livestock handling and autism advocacy. Her work has influenced modern animal welfare standards and reflects values of compassion, understanding, and practical care that matter deeply to Hidden Bee Farm.
Core values behind everything we do.
Dr. Temple Grandin.
We are deeply inspired by Dr. Temple Grandin’s work in animal welfare and autism advocacy. Her humane livestock systems and lifelong commitment to improving animal care have shaped modern standards in animal handling.
Her personal journey with autism has shown the world that individuals on the spectrum can lead meaningful, impactful lives when supported and understood — values we strive to embody here every day.
The bond that built this place.
Our son Jackson is autistic, and Hidden Bee Farm became a place of connection, calm, and understanding for him. Time and again, he was drawn to animals with their own histories of hardship. That bond helped shape the heart of this farm.
A rescue. A sanctuary. A place with purpose.
Hidden Bee Animal Rescue, DBA Hidden Bee Farm, is located in the heart of Middle Tennessee on a historic farm established in 1843. Our farm is home to rescued animals who cannot return to traditional environments due to age, health, or past trauma. Here, they are given lifelong care, safety, and dignity.
Some animals stay temporarily. Others stay forever. Every animal is treated as an individual with a story worth protecting.
Why Hidden Bee Farm Exists
Hidden Bee Farm was created not only to rescue animals, but to teach children and families the meaning of empathy, responsibility, and respect. When children connect with animals who have overcome hardship, they learn lessons no classroom can fully replicate.
Learn About Our Rescue ProgramOur Approach to Animal Welfare
We believe animal welfare is complex. People make different choices about food, lifestyle, and farming, and we do not judge those choices. Instead, we focus on education, humane treatment, and thoughtful stewardship of animals.
Our mission is simple: animals deserve care, dignity, and kindness, regardless of their purpose or past.
Our Values and PhilosophyHidden Bee Farm exists because of community support.
Volunteers, donors, and families who believe in what we do make every animal’s story possible. Whether you visit, volunteer, or donate, you become part of this place.
