About Four Roots Ranch
Rooted in family. Built for second chances.
Four Roots Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a family-run nonprofit in Bend, Oregon, where we provide lifelong care for alpacas, llamas, and a small collection of other animals who have found their way to us over the years.
Most of the animals here came to us after being rescued, rehomed, or retired. Seniors, animals with medical needs, or ones who simply had nowhere else to go. We don't take them in temporarily. When an animal comes here, this is home.
Where the Name Came From
Four Roots started as a homeschool name. When we began educating our four kids at home, we wanted something that reflected our family and what we were building together. A year or two later, when we started taking in animals, the name just came with us.
It fit. And over time, the meaning grew.
Our logo has four animals, one for each of our kids. And the tagline, Rooted in family. Built for second chances, tells both sides of the story: the family that started it all, and the animals who now call this place home.
Who We Care For
Alpacas and llamas are at the heart of our sanctuary. Over time, as our camelid herd grew, we began focusing our intake around them. They make up the largest part of our family, and caring for them is the work we know most deeply.
Based on herd size, Four Roots Ranch is the largest sanctuary in the United States dedicated specifically to alpacas and llamas.
So, why are we a sanctuary and not a rescue, you may ask. First, there are wonderful rescues doing incredible work in the camelid world, and so many animals are safe today because of that work. We’re so grateful for that. A rescue is often focused on intake, rehabilitation, and finding animals appropriate new homes. An animal sanctuary, on the other hand, is where animals stay, and the point is permanence. Our goal with every animal that comes to Four Roots Ranch is lifelong care, and that's what we're built for. A forever home for animals in need.
And while alpacas and llamas are our primary focus, the goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, barn cats, and others who found their way here along the way are also an integral part of our Four Roots family.
What Daily Life Actually Looks Like
A lot of sanctuary life happens in the unglamorous, everyday moments. Morning feedings, hauling water, cleaning stalls, scooping poop, giving medications, watching how everyone moves, eats, and interacts, and learning each animal well enough to notice when something feels off.
Some animals come to us young. Most come older. Some need a lot of care right away, while others just need time and a quiet place to settle in.
Our kids have grown up in the middle of it all. They've learned how to give a shot, recognize when an animal seems off, and sit quietly with one who is struggling. They've also gotten to watch animals who arrived scared and shut down slowly come around. That part - seeing an animal finally feel at home - never gets old, and we think it's a pretty remarkable thing to grow up around.
Stay Connected
We share sanctuary updates, animal stories, and behind-the-scenes moments on our Substack.
It’s where we write about life at the sanctuary as it unfolds, from the everyday routines of caring for our residents to the quieter moments that don’t always fit into a quick social media post.
Substack is the best place to follow along with what’s happening here, get to know the animals more personally, and stay connected to the work of Four Roots Ranch. Click here to subscribe,
