Our history

The Ironwood Pig Sanctuary was founded in November 2000 and began accepting pigs in the spring of 2001 to our shelter in Marana, on the outskirts of Tucson. Over the years, we have absorbed over 300 pigs from three failed sanctuaries in Arizona, as well as having rescued over 1,600 others. We provide a permanent home for pigs in a herd setting, with various fields and groupings to fit the individual needs of each pig.

Our first year! Since then, we’ve provided a home to over 1900 pigs.

The pigs come to us from local police departments involved in animal abuse cases, from animal shelters, and from people finding them running loose as strays. We accept pigs from owners for many reasons; moving, HOA regulations, divorce, losing their homes, medical problems of the owner, pig behavioral issues, or zoning disputes. Pot-bellied pigs that have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or unwanted can call the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary their home.

Our team

We greatly appreciate volunteers, too! There’s always work to be done when taking care of over 680 pigs!

MARY SCHANZ, PRESIDENT AND COFOUNDER

After moving to AZ from CA where we were avid sailors, I became very involved in environmental and animal rights issues. Helping animals of all kinds became my passion. After retiring from a career in medical technology, my husband and I had planned to travel extensively, but we had become involved with pot-bellied pigs by volunteering at another sanctuary and I was smitten. My life at Ironwood is very busy and often stressful, but when I am away from the sanctuary for any reason when I return I can't wait to visit every area to reconnect with all the pigs for they have become my family.

Lori shepherd, executive director

As the new Executive Director for Ironwood, I am excited to bring my passion for mission-driven work to the sanctuary each day. My professional experience spans a diverse range of nonprofit organizations with a focus on leadership, fundraising, and building the resources needed to turn mission into action.

No matter what aspect of the work I’m focused on, one thing remains constant: the mission is always my true north. I’m proud to help create a place where pigs are valued as individuals and receive the specialized care and attention they need to live healthy, happy lives. I’m inspired every day by the people who make that possible—and by the pigs who make every day at Ironwood special.

DONNA THOMASON, founding sanctuary advisor

After teaching elementary school for 18 years, I left that behind to pursue my dream of working with and for animals. I have been at Ironwood since 2001. It is hard work physically and emotionally but also extremely rewarding to know that I am a part of helping these pigs find peace and safety in a permanent home.

Julia Ewer, Sponsor/volunteer administrator

I first joined the Ironwood team in June 2024. Originally, I was a waterer but made the transition to feeder within a few months and now, to Sponsor Coordinator. I have been involved in animal rescue to some degree my entire life from volunteering to socialize shelter animals, fostering dogs, and working to expand education in the community. These pigs have taught me so much and I am happy to have the chance to work with and learn from them.

Greg Zimmer, Maintenance Manager

I have been employed at the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary since 2020. I was initially hired for a position as a watcher, responsible for intervening in and breaking up scuffles among the pigs during their integration process into an existing herd. Subsequently, I transitioned into the maintenance department for a period of several years, and currently, I hold the role of Maintenance Manager for the entire facility. As a Navy Veteran who possesses an extensive background in maintenance and repair, I am utilizing my acquired skills to ensure that our facility operates seamlessly and that our pigs are able to experience their optimal quality of life. I genuinely cannot conceive of a more fulfilling or rewarding occupation.

BEN WATKINS, Vice president AND COFOUNDER

My involvement with the creation and growth of the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary after my retirement is the most significant thing that I have ever done. I love all of our sweet pigs and it gives me great pleasure when I see them enjoying themselves in one of our fields. I particularly like designing and building the infrastructure which keeps me in touch with my engineering background. Editing the newsletter and keeping the sanctuary books are also my responsibilities. We have created a great sanctuary and it gives me pride to think of what we have built and all the pigs we have helped.

MONICA SCHWARZ, OFFICE MANAGER

I began working at Ironwood in January of 2013 as a waterer. Prior to Ironwood, I spent 10 years working with the women’s basketball program at Marquette University as their Executive Assistant. In the spring of 2013 Ironwood needed help in the office, so I stepped into that role and have been there ever since. Working for a pig sanctuary has been educational, eye-opening and rewarding. The pigs are amazing and those who support them are too!

LISA LANG, senior animal care MANAGER

I moved from New York to Arizona for school. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management. After a seasonal position working in Arizona Reptile Conservation, I found this job at Ironwood Pig Sanctuary. I instantly fell in love with all the amazing piggies! My goal throughout school was to make a difference for animals. By helping rescue, care for, and educate people about pigs, I'm hoping to accomplish my goal.

Barbra Trosvik, Sponsor/Volunteer Coordinator

My animal background began primarily in the equine world. I trained and showed horses and taught riding lessons. After a career in the funeral industry, I became a certified pet death doula, helping families navigate the loss of beloved animal companions. I have been actively involved in fostering and training greyhounds for therapy work. I serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors for The Human-Animal Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering healing and connection through animal-assisted interactions.

My journey with pigs began 14 years ago when I got a pig of my own to love and care for. The opportunity to work with more than 680 pigs was a dream that ultimately took me from the corporate world to Ironwood Pig Sanctuary. Now, my heart goes home happy knowing that each day I am contributing to the care and well-being of these amazing souls.

Facilities

The sanctuary is divided into over 30 different fields and yards, each with anywhere from 1 to 55 pigs.

Each field contains shade ramadas, kiddy wading pools, wallows, and automatic waters. It gets hot in Arizona and pigs must have water to get in to control their body temperature. We make sure our piggies always have fresh water to drink and to cool down.

Individual pens

Before joining a herd in one of the fields, new arrivals first live in individual pens with daily access to an exercise yard. Here, they are monitored for medical issues that need to be addressed such as spaying or neutering, go through a series of worming, and are evaluated for field placement. The pigs then join a herd based on their physical ability, age, and emotional needs.

Special needs field

The Special Needs Field allows us to provide a safe, loving environment for our pigs with physical or emotional disabilities. Some of our pigs are blind, some come to us overweight, and some are just nervous and scared. They’re able to cope well within this smaller community!

Peoria field

The Peoria Field currently has the largest herd with 52 pigs. The field was originally built for a large group rescued from one home where the owners were charged with animal abuse and neglect then forced by the court system to relinquish their pigs, several of whom were pregnant.

Assisted living

The Assisted Living Field is our retirement home for the elderly pigs dealing with arthritis and other age-related issues. Here, our elderly pigs receive more individualized care and attention throughout each day without the younger pigs constantly bothering them.

Gotham City

Gotham City is a small field used for a group of 9 hog mixes that came from a home where they had little food or water and were used as a constant source of breeding to sell for meat. Having a place of their own has allowed them to remain bonded as a family group as well as given them the opportunity to grow and flourish with the extra rations and vitamin supplements they needed to overcome the malnutrition previously suffered.

Hospice

Our small hospice area allows us to provide close monitoring and to ensure a high quality of life for our pigs in the last stages of their lives. When we lose a pig, we respectfully bury them in a dedicated cemetery on the outskirts of the sanctuary.

Northeast field

The Northeast Field was originally built for a handful of pigs who were not faring well in a large field, as they were easily overwhelmed by the noise and activity of a big herd. Their personalities were much better suited to a smaller group and they flourished here.

Shakey's Field

Shakey’s Field was designed for 10 pigs that each have either serious injuries or genetic issues making them susceptible to injury. These pigs are all on the younger side, wanting space to roam but also in need of a small, quiet environment. Shakey’s gives them a safe place to share with others in similar physical condition.

Spike's field

Spike’s Field is one of our medium-sized fields, with 18 pigs. Some of these pigs are older but still in good physical condition. Several are a bit shy and like having less competition.

Visitor center backyard

Our Visitor Center along with some of the onsite staff housing have yards for 3-6 pigs. This gives us close access to our elderly pigs and pigs with certain physical disabilities who do best close to us.

FINANCIALS

Audited Financial Statement

Tax Return Form 990