Check our Events Calendar and come join in the fun! Rooterville is an experience you'll never forget.
We are open for visitors Sat & Sun 10AM til 2PM, no appt needed! Bring treats for the animals!
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MEET OUR TEAM
Elaine West
Founder/President
Elaine West founded Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Inc. with the help and support of her late husband and partner Dale West, in 2004. Today, Elaine serves as president and leads a team of eight that handle everything in the daily operations of the business and upkeep of the sanctuary, as well as caring for the amazing animals that call the sanctuary home. ​
​I grew up around farms and farmers. Of all the animals, I loved the pigs the best. There is nothing cuter than a baby pig. In my youth, I nursed many runts to health. When potbellied pigs came to the US, I had to have one. So, I saved up and bought two! It was no surprise my first rescue was a little gray potbellied pig who won me over at hello when she rolled over for her belly rub at the sound of a friendly voice at a local Humane Society that was giving her away to be eaten. That little pig changed everything!”
Background
Elaine received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University. Elaine's background includes a long career in the mortgage business, working as a Loan Officer for Regions Bank, as well as in retail, She is incredibly compassionate, exceptional at problem solving and stretching an operating budget to accomplish more. Elaine loves helping people and animals, and it shows in all she does. She cares deeply and that much is evident.
Along the way, Elaine discovered the local Humane Society was receiving pigs whose futures were dismal at best. She volunteered to implement a spay and neuter program and build the pigs better pens. This was pivotal for Elaine. She built her first animal sanctuary inside the Humane Society focused on helping pigs. It was there she gained the confidence to help mare and begin the Rootervile dream.
"My inspiration is knowing that people's lives change for the better after an experience at our sanctuary, that we have made them smile and forget their problems while experiencing something they never get to do anywhere else. My inspiration is to be a blessing to people, and to these animals. I love sharing Rooterville and our sweet animals with visitors. We cannot force change on anyone, our goal is to INSPIRE change, and no one does a better job at that than our incredible animal ambassadors."
Other's Team Members are
Heather
Heather is our awesome cashier and gift shop keeper. She will greet you, give you some tips to enjoy your visit, sell you treat bags for the animals and take your donation for them too.
When Heather is not at Rooterville, she stays busy with her family and taking care of her mom who recently went through treatment for cancer. Heather is a super nice young lady and her husband Steven, who used to be a police officer, he comes out to give trolley rides so you might get to meet him too. Nice folks, we're so glad to have them at Rooterville!
Come on in the gate and head to the gift shop to meet up with Heather and take a quick look around so you can get an idea of what you'd like to take home with you. Roo-venirs are a great way to help the animals and get something great for you!
We have a room devoted to kids things so your little ones can get something fun too. Make sure to ask Heather for a discount if you'd like one. We appreciate you shopping with us!
Jackie
VOLUNTEER Jackie is retired and needs things to do to keep her healthy and we're so fortunate she chose Rooterville as one of her places to give her time and talent to. She is dedicated and reliable and a good listener whenever Elaine has to bend her ear. She helps wherever needed in the office or out getting dirty in the garden. She is such a sweetheart
In her words: "I receive unconditional love from the animals, exercise, sunshine, pleasure watching the butterfly garden grow and opportunities to help where needed. enjoy working with the staff & volunteers that bring such love and care to their committment to the mission of the sanctuary. "We love Jackie's committment to doing her part to help us do what we do! Thank you Jacke!
Brian
Brian is our amazing animal care person. He is in charge of making sure the animals here at Rooterville get the best care and attention possible. He loves giving treats to everyone and if we don't watch him, he would make all of the animals here too fat! He loves them all and you'll spot him squatting down to pet whoever comes near him. Brian also helps us keep our covered wagons squeaky clean and ready for guests. He is great at cleaning and organizing, which makes himock star here at Rooterville.
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When Brian is not at Rooterville tending animals, he has lots of ferrets and other animals at home to care for! He loves animals and we're so lucky to have him here at Rooterville. You won't see him on most weekends, but if you volunteer or come during the week, you'll get to meet Brian. He's great with people AND animals, rare indeed!