At New Life Animal Sanctuary, animals who were once used in research are finally free to live as respected individuals, not test subjects. Now these survivors can roam open spaces, bask in the sun, and experience love, comfort, and choice — things they should have been able to do all along.

Rise for Animals is proud to support this sanctuary’s vital work. Today, we’re honored to introduce you to a few of their remarkable residents.

Once a test subject in a northern California lab, Martin was rescued from that life 12 years ago.

These days, Martin reigns over New Life’s cat room with a confident swagger. He lounges in the safe, outdoor cat enclosure, surveying his domain like royalty. When volunteers or visitors arrive, he races across his bridge and down the ramp to greet them, demanding affection… until he’s had enough. 

“It’s Martin’s world. We’re all just living in it, and on his terms,” laughs Gina Lynn, founder and Executive Director of New Life. “He’d have it no other way!” 

Three years ago, the sanctuary rescued 71 guinea pigs from a medical laboratory. Many were adopted out to loving homes, but some stayed at New Life. Most were seniors, and though many have since passed, their lives ended in freedom and comfort rather than behind cold laboratory walls.

Lulu is the last of those guinea pigs who is still living at the sanctuary. She spends her days in a multi-level habitat full of cozy nooks and enrichment toys, and with constant companionship. 

While her original friends are gone, Lulu now shares her space with two new pals, Maple and Autumn, and continues to thrive. 

Booker’s soulful eyes and full-body tail-wag greet everyone who visits the sanctuary. With his cheerful disposition, Gina says no one would ever guess the horrors this beagle has survived.

“He’s just the sweetest, most perfect gentleman,” says Gina. 

Before arriving at the sanctuary, Booker was born in a breeding facility and spent nearly two years in a laboratory. 

But Booker’s past pain has been transformed into purpose. Since his rescue, Booker has blossomed into an ambassador for animals in research. He’s visited schools, starred in educational presentations, and charmed everyone he’s met — all while advocating for a world without animal experimentation. 

Goat sisters Izzy and Abigail were rescued together from a lab in 2019, alongside a llama, 16 rabbits, and another goat who has since passed away. 

According to Gina, “it would be hard to find a more bonded pair of animals.” The sisters are inseparable, yet strikingly different. Snowy white Izzy is outgoing and eager to greet anyone who visits. Abigail, with her sweet, brown-marked face, is quieter and more reserved. 

The pair, “practically joined at the hip,” now roam the sanctuary’s rolling property with six other goats, four llamas, and a flock of free-roaming birds. When night falls, they retreat together into their safe, cozy barn. 

Regardless of how they were formerly exploited in research and testing, Martin, Lulu, Booker, Izzy, and Abigail were never mere objects or tools. They were always individuals, each one deserving of safety and freedom.

At Rise for Animals, we fight for this future for every animal in labs. Their lives were never ours to take, but they are ours to protect. We’re so grateful to New Life Animal Sanctuary for making life after labs a reality for so many animals, and we are honored to support their life-saving work.

Your call to action: Tell Congress to pass The SPARE Act and stop wasting tax dollars on bad science that harms and kills thinking, feeling animals. Let’s give every animal a chance to live free, safe, and loved.

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