The Rooster Sanctuary at Danzig’s Roost, located 40 miles east of Denver in Bennett, Colorado, is a 40-acre property that is home to over 100 birds, including roosters, hens, turkeys, and peafowl. The sanctuary was founded by Jewel Johnson more than 15 years ago and has since rescued 4,500 animals.

Rescuing Unwanted Roosters

Many of the roosters at the sanctuary are rescues from suspected cockfighting operations. Despite being illegal in all 50 states, the breeding and sale of game fowl continues, and cockfighting remains a popular blood sport in some countries. Johnson has taken in roosters from as far as Oklahoma and Texas, and she believes that the practice of euthanizing seized animals is often unnecessary.

The sanctuary is completely volunteer-run and relies on donations to care for the animals. Johnson, a vegan, is devoted to maintaining the sanctuary and educating the public about the exploitation of birds and the importance of a vegan lifestyle. She has also been joined by Don Lester, a former cockfighter from Georgia, who has become a friend and ally in her mission to help the roosters.

A New Lease on Life

At the sanctuary, the roosters are given a new lease on life. They are housed separately from each other due to their breeding for aggression and stamina, but they are often accompanied by rescued hens. Johnson and her team work to build the birds’ confidence and trust, and they have seen many of the roosters blossom into gentle and affectionate companions.

Johnson’s goal is to teach the public that the roosters should not be euthanized when they are seized in cockfighting operations. Instead, she believes that they should be given a chance to live out their lives in a safe and loving environment. With the help of volunteers and donors, the Rooster Sanctuary at Danzig’s Roost is making a difference in the lives of these amazing birds.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.