Donate to Paramatma Animal Sanctuary in Colombia

About Paramatma Animal Sanctuary in Colombia

Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Colombia that protects animals of different species — birds, horses, cattle, dogs, cats and rodents.

Paramatma currently cares for one cow and one bullock.

Gita

Our cow, Gita was rescued from a slaughterhouse in a nearby village. Because of the trauma she suffered on the slaughterhouse farm, she has a rebellious personality and demands respect.

Gita’s Rescue Story

Gita was one of the cows selected to be a milker, a process that requires artificially impregnating (raping) her, but because of her strong personality, she would not allow anyone to touch her. As a result, Gita was forced to wear steel chains on her legs and receive repeated electric shocks to break her spirit. But Gita would not surrender or obey anyone, and this resistance ultimately made her “bad for business” in the eyes of the farmers. In the end, they decided to send her to be slaughtered, which is why her rescue and ongoing protection at our sanctuary are so critical.

She was only one and half years old!

Two friends and I rescued Gita from this horrible situation by paying the farmer $300 and bringing her to our farm, which is now part of Paramatma Animal Sanctuary’s protected space for animals who need lifelong safety. That one-time rescue cost was only the beginning—ongoing care includes secure fencing, shelter, daily food, and consistent caregivers so that animals like Gita can live without fear of returning to the cycle of exploitation and slaughter..

Many years later, Gita still has a rebellious personality and she is not easy to approach. She seems to be always on the defensive and only trusts her two caregivers, which reflects the long-lasting impact of trauma even after rescue. When other people visit the shelter, Gita will hide among the trees and carefully observe everyone’s movements before deciding whether she feels safe. Her favorite foods are panela, fruits, and sugar, and these small comforts help build calm, routine, and trust in her protected sanctuary life.

“Balarama, our gentle bullock, found refuge at birth, escaping the grim fate of the dairy industry.”

Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is located next to one of the largest dairy farms in Colombia. One pregnant cow escaped—breaking through many fences in a desperate bid to seek refuge in our animal sanctuary—and once inside, she gave birth to her son. Her owners soon followed and attempted to take her and her calf back to the dairy (typically male calves are sent directly to slaughter to become veal, never to experience the loving bond of a mother). We immediately offered to pay for the newborn calf, but we could not take the mother due to limited land space because we already had a horse and Gita. Sadly, Balarama’s mother returned to the dairy; we saved her son.

Balarama’s Rescue Story

One of the pregnant cows managed to escape, breaking through many fences in a desperate bid to seek refuge in our animal sanctuary. Once she was inside our animal sanctuary she gave birth to her son, however, her owners soon followed and proceeded to her and her child back to the dairy (Typically male calves are sent directly to the slaughterhouse to become “veal,” never to experience the loving bond of a mother).We immediately offered to pay for the newborn calf; unfortunately, we could not take the mother because our land space is limited. We already had a horse and Gita the cow. Sadly, the mother of our new baby calf, now known as Balarama, had to return to the slavery of the dairy farm. It is a sad fate experienced by tens of millions of cows ever year. But we felt good knowing that we were able to save one innocent boy.

Balaram

Balarama is not aware of any type of abuse, like his “sister” Gita. He is a very domesticated bullock that enjoys tickles, hugs and kisses and loves to run and play. We promised to his mother to take care of her son.

Today, Gita and Balarama are 8 and 7 years respectively, and live a fully protected life in our sanctuary with the freedom to run, play, sniff, and eat as much grass they want.

“With your support, Gita and Balarama can enjoy lifelong freedom and safety at our sanctuary.”

Currently, Paramatma Animal Sanctuary protects 35 animals (1 horse, 21 dogs, 7 cats, 2 birds, 2 rodents, 1 cow and 1 bullock), so you can imagine our daily expenses for food, basic supplies, cleaning, and ongoing care. This mix of species is also why our sanctuary work is unique in Colombia: we provide safety for both large farmed animals like Gita and Balarama and smaller companion animals who also need lifelong protection and stability.!

Current Animals and Daily Care Costs

The biggest financial challenge for us is fencing and shelter. Each year we have to repair or replace fences for the cows, and this year, we plan to build a proper shelter for them. We urgently need money for materials and the construction of a new cow barn, because safe fencing and a dedicated barn reduce risk of injury, improve daily care, and protect rescued animals during heavy rain or intense sun. Building the barn and fences will cost $1,500, including labor, and this specific goal lets donors see exactly what their sanctuary support will fund.. Each year we have to repair or change fences for the cows and this year we plan to make a proper shelter for them. We urgently need money for materials and construction of a new cow barn. Building the barn and fences will cost only $1,500 dollars, including labor.

We hope that 15 caring people will donate $100 to this noble project.

Can we count on you to be a donor?

Please DONATE NOW

For your kind contribution to the welfare of Gita and Balaram you will receive a copy of FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, written by the director of Food for Life Global, one of the major supporters of Paramatma Animal Sanctuary.

We hope this letter meets you in the best of health and happiness.

Namaste!

Juliana Castaneda

Director

Paramatma Animal Sanctuary

www.paramatmafarm.com

FAQ

Q: What animals does Paramatma Animal Sanctuary protect?

A: Paramatma Animal Sanctuary in Colombia protects a variety of animals, including cows, horses, dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. Each animal receives care and protection from the cruelty of industries like dairy farming.

Q: How can I support Paramatma Animal Sanctuary?

A: You can support Paramatma Animal Sanctuary by donating to their cause. Your contributions help fund essential needs like fencing, shelters, and daily care for the animals.

Q: Why is Paramatma Animal Sanctuary unique?

A: Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is unique because it is one of the few in South America that actively protects cows, along with other animals, from the cruelty of industries like dairy farming.

Q: What is the story of Gita and Balarama?

A: Gita, a cow, was rescued from a slaughterhouse, and Balarama, a bullock, was saved at birth from the dairy industry. Both now live safely at Paramatma Animal Sanctuary, symbolizing hope and resistance against animal cruelty.

Q: What is Paramatma Animal Sanctuary in Colombia?

A: Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is a multi-species rescue and lifelong care sanctuary in Colombia that protects animals including cows, a bullock, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and a horse. It exists to provide safety, food, shelter, and consistent caregiving for animals rescued from cruelty, abandonment, and industries such as dairy farming and slaughter.

Q: Why is Paramatma Animal Sanctuary considered unique among sanctuaries in Colombia?

A: It is described as the only sanctuary in Colombia protecting animals of different species in one place and as one of the few in South America dedicated to cow protection alongside other animals. This matters because cows and bullocks are often excluded from rescue options, yet they require secure fencing, shelter, and long-term care.

Q: How many animals does the sanctuary currently protect?

A: Paramatma Animal Sanctuary currently protects 35 animals: 1 horse, 21 dogs, 7 cats, 2 birds, 2 rodents, 1 cow, and 1 bullock. Supporting the sanctuary helps cover the ongoing realities of caring for many species with different needs while maintaining safe living conditions for everyone.

Q: Who is Gita and how did she come to the sanctuary?

A: Gita is a rescued cow who was saved from a slaughterhouse in a nearby village. She was only one and a half years old when rescued. Due to severe trauma, she remains defensive and trusts only her two caregivers, showing how sanctuary protection can be lifelong and emotional as well as physical.

Q: What happened to Gita before she was rescued?

A: Gita was selected to be a milker and faced forced artificial impregnation. Because she resisted being handled, she was chained and repeatedly shocked in an attempt to break her spirit. When she was deemed “bad for business,” she was sent to be slaughtered—until she was rescued by paying $300.

Q: Who is Balarama and what makes his rescue different from Gita’s?

A: Balarama is a gentle bullock who found refuge at birth, escaping the typical fate of male calves in the dairy industry. Unlike Gita, he is not aware of abuse and is affectionate and playful. His story explains why sanctuaries near dairy regions can become a last refuge for vulnerable animals.

Q: Why couldn’t the sanctuary keep Balarama’s mother?

A: The sanctuary offered to pay for the newborn calf immediately, but land space was limited because the sanctuary already had a horse and Gita the cow. As a result, Balarama’s mother had to return to the dairy farm while Balarama remained in sanctuary protection, a painful but honest reflection of space constraints.

Q: What is the sanctuary fundraising goal and what will the money pay for?

A: The sanctuary urgently needs funding for materials and construction of a new cow barn and for fencing work. The stated total cost is $1,500, including labor. Donations directly support safer housing and secure boundaries for the cows, helping prevent injuries and improving daily care conditions.

Q: What are the biggest ongoing challenges for running this sanctuary?

A: The post identifies fencing and shelters as the biggest financial challenge, with fences needing repair or replacement each year. With 35 animals across multiple species, daily care expenses are also significant. Support helps keep rescued animals safe, protected, and cared for in a stable long-term environment.

Q: How can I donate to Paramatma Animal Sanctuary?

A: You can donate through the sanctuary’s donation page linked in the post: http://paramatmafarm.com/donations/. The post also shares the sanctuary website (http://www.paramatmafarm.com/) for more information. Donor support is presented as essential to completing the barn and fencing project.

Q: Is there a donor thank-you gift mentioned in the post?

A: Yes. For contributing to the welfare of Gita and Balarama, donors are offered a copy of FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, written by the director of Food for Life Global, which is described as one of the major supporters of Paramatma Animal Sanctuary.

Q: Where is Paramatma Animal Sanctuary located in relation to the dairy industry?

A: The sanctuary is located next to one of the largest dairy farms in Colombia. This proximity is central to Balarama’s rescue story, because a pregnant cow escaped the dairy and entered the sanctuary to give birth, showing how close the sanctuary is to ongoing dairy operations and risks faced by cows and calves.