Delivering magic to kids of all ages

Mills River Rescue and Sanctuary lies in a quiet corner of Marstons Mills, Cape Cod. It is a magical place where hope springs eternal for animals in need. Romeo and Precious live here with their best friends, Sweetness and Tinkerbell, and other rescue ponies and donkeys. Once abused and discarded, these loving animals are living their best lives and have found salvation in the arms of animal lover Patti Maroney.

Growing up in rural Cape Cod, Patti got to know and love animals as a young girl and became enamored with ponies. For years her farm took in unwanted animals and gave them a second chance at life. Realizing the great need for equine rescue facilities on Cape Cod, Patti founded Mills River Rescue and Sanctuary, a nonprofit 501 C3 equine rescue. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for needy horses and to provide sanctuary for others.

The rescue is truly a community treasure. It's a hidden gem where locals and tourists can experience and interact with ponies, donkeys, bunnies and ducks, and even a peacock or two! You may find students from Cape Cod Veterinary Programs practicing their trade or neighborhood children in a volunteer-led outdoor classroom learning about animals and life on the farm. And, if you have free time and are interested, the rescue is always looking for volunteers to help provide care and support to the animals.

Maroney believes it is critical for people to understand how ponies, and donkeys end up in need of help. Some have been abandoned, others neglected, and some rescued from slaughter which is illegal in Massachusetts. To support their mission of providing sanctuary to the animals, and, to educate the public, the rescue offers farm visits, summer camps for kids, and special events like their recent Tea Party for Seniors.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled experience for the family, kids will delight in feeding the ducks and cuddling the bunnies. Want to create a unique experience for your child’s birthday? The rescue can deliver a birthday celebration for your little girl with a real, live unicorn or a pirate-themed experience and visit with Capt. Jack Sparrow for the boys.

Recently named as one of Get Out Cape Cod’s top 2023 Bucket List adventures for families on Cape Cod, Mills River Rescue and Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. Check them out online at http://www.millsriverrescue.co... or visit their Facebook page to see the latest happenings. Not only will you help support the rescue in its mission to save animals but you’re guaranteed to have a magical experience.