Black Beauty Ranch, located in East Texas, is named after the classic 1877 novel about a horse’s life. The story encourages us to understand animals’ experiences. At the ranch, animals find a safe and loving home, just like the main character, Black Beauty, searched for throughout the story.
Kitty Block, CEO of the Humane Society, which supports the ranch, describes it as a place where animals come to feel free and secure. Spread over 1,400 acres, the ranch is a sanctuary for many animals, including zebras, bison, lions, and approximately 150 donkeys. Each animal has its own unique rescue story.
For instance, there’s Loki the tiger, who was rescued from a garage in Houston. Then there’s Eve, the “bare bear,” who was found in terrible condition. And lemurs that once lived in dark, cramped spaces are now enjoying their new, natural habitat at the ranch.
The sanctuary’s history started with wild donkeys, airlifted from the Grand Canyon by Cleveland Amory, the ranch’s founder. Today, while there are many unique animals at Black Beauty, it’s important to note that the Humane Society is different from local humane societies that focus on pets. The Humane Society, now known as Humane World for Animals, works on broader policy issues and rescues but does not have a facility for dog and cat adoptions.
For over 70 years, the Humane Society has tackled various animal welfare issues, from fighting the fur trade to disaster relief planning that includes animals. Recently, they celebrated a significant victory when South Korea’s National Assembly voted to ban the dog meat industry.
Block believes that in the future, many will look back and question practices like factory farming. In 2023, the Humane World successfully defended California’s Proposition 12, which sets minimum space requirements for livestock. These measures aim to improve animal welfare and public health.
For Block, protecting the animals at Black Beauty Ranch reflects a larger mission to enhance animal welfare worldwide. Understanding animals’ perspectives is vital to our humanity, helping shape a better future for both animals and ourselves.
By committing to the rights and welfare of animals, the organization strives to create a world where all creatures can thrive and be appreciated.
