Over the years, I’ve visited the Tamerlaine Sanctuary and Preserve in Montague, New Jersey, a haven dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for abused, neglected and discarded farmed animals. Each tour left a lasting impression on my family. That’s why I decided to sit down with Peter Nussbaum, co-founder of the sanctuary, to help more people discover this remarkable place and glimpse the magic he brings to so many lives.
Barry Farber:
How did all this get started?
Peter Nussbaum:
It all began back in 2013. My wife and I always had a strong interest in animal rights and caring for animals, but that mostly meant cats and dogs. Then one day, my wife convinced me it would be a good idea to adopt two roosters, and we quickly realized they were no different from our dogs and cats. They became part of our family.
Two roosters became five. Fifteen chickens became 100. Before we knew it, we were running a rescue farm, taking in not only chickens but all kinds of animals rescued from abuse, abandonment and neglect.
BF:
As I tour your sanctuary, I’m inspired not only by the interactions between people and animals but also by the stories that connect the entire place. Can you share one you think our readers will appreciate?
PN:
One of our 250 animals was a large-breed industrial pig named Pecan, who weighed about 800 pounds. In 2016, he came to us through a Rutgers University agricultural program where students learned to raise livestock. One student was assigned to care for Pecan—feeding him and raising him—but she was horrified when she learned the pigs in the program were eventually sent to slaughter.
She reached out to us to ask if we could take him, and we said yes. While she was relieved, the school wasn’t willing to let him go. So she, along with her friends and family, went to the livestock auction. Once they found out when Pecan would be shipped, they made sure they were the highest bidder.
When she saw Pecan among the other pigs, she yelled his name. He pushed through the crowd and went straight to her. She told him not to worry—that he was coming home with these people, pointing to my wife. They brought Pecan to us that day.
We have so many stories like that. Pecan was our largest pig. He spends his days foraging, sunbathing and getting belly rubs.
BF:
Tell me about the intelligence of pigs.
PN:
Pigs are known for decorating their houses. If there are flowers in a pig’s pasture, they often pick them and bring them inside. They’re actually immaculate animals—the one farm animal that won’t go to the bathroom where they sleep.
BF:
Your profession is in trademark and intellectual property law, and now you’ve created this incredible place that gives back to animals and the people who visit. What’s your definition of success today?
PN:
I often tell people that Tamerlaine Sanctuary and Preserve is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done financially, but by far the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never been happier or more resolved in knowing I’m doing something that matters and giving people the opportunity to connect with animals. Thousands of people come through each year, and for many of them, it’s the first time they’re meeting these animals.
BF:
I recently released a special-edition hardcover children’s book, The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree. In the story, Little Billy helps animals as he searches for the Magic Tree. That spirit extends beyond the page, as Little Billy has become the sanctuary’s mascot, bringing the message of compassion to life while supporting real animals in need.
It’s a reminder of something William Danforth once said: Catch a passion for helping others and a richer life comes back to you—a philosophy that feels especially true at Tamerlaine.
Barry Farber is a Livingston based best-selling author, award-winning radio and television host, and a marketing strategist serving global corporations, professional athletes and leading entertainers. He’s the creator and marketer of the FoldzFlat Pens and the author of the children’s book The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree, available at barryfarber.com.
He also hosts the television series Pain for Gain on HTTV and YouTube. Follow him on Instagram at @barryfarberofficial.