Zoe Rosenberg and Sherstin Rosenberg are two of the most inspiring people I know. Shocked by the horrors of factory farming about 10 years ago, they decided to start a sanctuary for animals that had a unique focus: giving each individual animal world-class care. Zoe, as a teenager who ultimately would choose to be home-schooled, and Sherstin, a veterinarian trained at the best schools in the nation, were in the unique position to deliver on this vision. But they also created something else: A model for human politics. 

You see, as our institutions fray, and our politics devolve into mud slinging or even violence, there’s something powerful about looking to our relationship to animals for inspiration on the world we can build with each other. I point out three ways the sanctuary can be a model for a fundamental transformation in human politics and society: resource provision; conflict mediation; and in so-called “terminal values.” 

I have so much more to say about this subject, and especially that last point. (I have a draft post titled “The Empire of Kindness” that’s in the works.) But I think the best way to understand Happy Hen is to listen to its founders. Enjoy.

Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary (website)

Music by Moby: Everything That Rises