Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary

08/14/2026

Even though we're not accepting animals for the time being, we have many residents at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, including our Educational Animal Ambassadors, exotic birds, pigs, donkeys, horses and many others.

We especially could use some cockatiel, parrot, and cockatoo food for our rescued exotic birds. We now have an account with CHEWY for donating items for the animals. Follow this link and items will be delivered right to our door. It can be something small or a larger quantity - every donation helps! We'll be adding more items frequently, so check back! THANK YOU!

https://www.chewy.com/g/broadbent-wildlife-sanctuary_b98412025 -list&wishlistsortby=AVAILABILITY

07/31/2026

Our friends and neighbors have been asking about donations of food and supplies for our animals. Maybe you have a garden or would just like to add a few items to your shopping list. Following are some perishable items we can always use - it helps more than you can imagine.

(If you would like to donate fruits and veggies, they can be dropped off 7 days a week - 9 to 4:00. Just call at the gate and someone will come out to get it.) Phone (270)547-4200

Carrots
Green beans
Snow peas
Peppers
Corn
Sweet or white potatoes
Blueberries/Strawberries/Blackberries
Grapes
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Mangoes
Pineapple
Squash
Pumpkins
Tomatoes
Apples
Bananas
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Greens (collard, kale, turnip, romaine - no iceberg please)
THANK YOU!

07/30/2026

Baby birds learn to fly from the ground up, after spending a few days with mom feeding them and teaching them to survive. Resist the urge to take them - if they’re hopping around - they’re most likely learning to fly and mom is nearby.

07/23/2026

Remembering our beloved friend and Founder of Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, Mary Ann Tobin, on her birthday. She loved every animal, from the tiniest mole, to the raccoons that were considered pests to so many, to the magnificent horses she flew ba****ck on across the fields, to a little white dog who slept on her bed and bit her dozens of times for over a decade, to the penguins of the Arctic and the giraffes in Africa. And a little barn owl named King Tut who was her heart. Happy Birthday Mary Ann, from all of us who loved you, human and animal. There are no words for how much we all miss you.

07/13/2026

In loving memory of our friend, Freddie George. 1938-2026

07/13/2026

Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved our dear friend, Freddie George. He was Mary Ann Tobin’s beloved friend and favorite pianist for over 50 years. He was not only a talented musician, but a kind and gentle soul who loved animals. Please take a moment to read this obituary about his amazing life. We’re so grateful that Freddie requested donations to be made to Broadbent in his memory. He will truly be missed.

View Frederick Roger George ("Freddie")'s complete obituary, share memories, and explore 9 tribute posts from the community.

07/04/2026

06/22/2026

Today we're all missing our beloved Founder and Friend, Mary Ann Tobin. It's been a year since she left us. So many memories of her kindness toward animals and people. She was one in a million.

06/02/2026

Good information from fellow rehabbers at the Tiptoe Sanctuary. Please resist the urge to "rescue" a fawn who is just waiting for mom to return. Many fawns who are brought to rehabbers by well-meaning folks have, unfortunately, been "fawn-napped", and mom returns to find her baby gone.

You can also help protect fawns by not mowing during May and June, when most fawns are born. Their instinct is to freeze and drop their heads to the ground in order to camouflage themselves. They're extremely hard to see and will not get up and run when being approached by a lawn mower.

Please note: Meade and Breckinridge County rehabbers cannot accept fawns at the present time, due to the Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife policy regarding CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease). Please visit their web site at fw.ky.gov for more information and other affected counties in Kentucky..

Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary is still closed for animal intake at the present time, but we're here caring for permanent residents and educational ambassadors, and answering phones to give advice.

A fawn survives its first weeks by staying completely still, nearly scentless, and almost impossible to notice on the ground.
In its earliest days, a fawn’s body produces minimal odor, making it far harder for predators to track. Its instinct is to freeze, even when something moves nearby, trusting camouflage over escape. Those white spots are not just markings. They mimic scattered sunlight, breaking the fawn’s outline into fragments that blend into shifting light and shadow.
The mother’s absence is deliberate. She feeds away from the hiding spot and returns only a few times a day, often at low light, so her scent does not lead danger back to her young. To an observer, it looks like abandonment. In reality, it is calculated distance.
When a human picks up the fawn, that balance is disrupted. Scent transfers, the hiding place is compromised, and the mother may delay or avoid returning altogether.
What seems like help can undo a system refined for survival.
Stillness is not weakness,it is the strategy that keeps the fawn alive. Please share ❤️