Cows, horses, ponies, miniature horses, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, rabbits, pigs, alpaca, llamas, miniature donkeys, guinea pigs — you name it, Sammamish Animal Sanctuary has it.
Not too far from State Route 900 in eastern Renton, the nonprofit sanctuary has become a beloved destination for both the rescue animals and the humans, young and old, who love to interact with them.
“What makes us kind of unique is that we allow people to visit and we don’t charge, but we really appreciate donations,” said Diane Gockel, who started the sanctuary with her husband Don. “And so all that money that people pay for parties and stuff is 100% a donation [and] that helps pay for what we’re trying to do.”
With over 90 volunteers, two hired employees and open arms from the community, the animal sanctuary has become a staple of outdoor experiences in the area, with the sanctuary taking the number one spot for KidsOutAndAbout.com’s Top 21 Places To Take Kids in 2022, beating out the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium.
Originally located in Sammamish for twenty years, the sanctuary moved to its current location on May Valley Road in early 2022, though it still kept the Sammamish name.
“It was on our property for so many years and my husband and I, we, raised kids and they now have all grown up and we wanted to have longevity and be a sanctuary long beyond us,” said Gockel of the relocation.
At the sanctuary, folks are able to interact with farm animals in a way that is not only compassionate and respectful to the animals — running, screaming, chasing and making loud noises are discouraged — but also creative and fun for guests.
Guests are welcome to reserve a themed party at the sanctuary that includes a bunny garden party, a mini goat playground, pony rides and a unicorn parade, with a tour of the farm’s five acres and a private “party saloon” since the barn has a Wild West theme.
“Kids can learn about good horsemanship,” said Gockel about the parties with the sanctuary’s ponies and mini-horses. “One of our birthday party options is for kids to have a pony party and brush the horses, put braids in their hair and kind of parade them around a little bit.”
Another popular attraction is the sanctuary’s bi-monthly “goat yoga” event. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, groups of up to 20 people (who are 12 years of age or older) can practice their yoga techniques with a certified instructor and the sanctuary’s “social mini goats.”
While the parties and goat yoga happen year-round, the sanctuary also offers a summer camp, where kids can come to the sanctuary and spend a few days with the animals, learning how to take care of them, playing games, crafts and even getting to do guided rides.
“When we came out to Renton, we didn’t know what to expect and a lot of people told us they wouldn’t come out here, saying ‘it’s too far’ and all this stuff,” she said. “Well, once they saw the place and everything, those people are absolutely here and I can not tell you how nice Renton has been to us. They have been so welcoming.”
For more information, visit SammamishAnimalSanctuary.com.
Goat yoga is a popular event at the sanctuary, where guests are encouraged to donate at least $25 for the experience as all money goes towards the animals.
Don’t let her horns scare you off, Frilly the cow loves a good head scratch.
Along with running the sanctuary, Diane Gockel also writes children’s books inspired by the farm’s rescue animals. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
