Kopan Monastery’s new animal sanctuary in Sindhupalchok, Nepal, July 2026.

After nearly fourteen years of searching, planning, and perseverance, the Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal has a new home. On July 8, 2026, rescued cows, buffaloes and goats moved into newly completed shelters on a much larger property (25 acres), marking a joyful new chapter in Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision for protecting animals from suffering.

Among the many expressions of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s boundless compassion, few are as moving as his care for animals. Rinpoche often reminded students that every sentient being, regardless of form and shape, seeks happiness and wishes to avoid suffering. For this reason, he strongly encouraged practices that protect animal lives, rescue those facing slaughter, and create opportunities for them to connect with the Dharma.

For many years, the sanctuary near Kopan Monastery has provided refuge for animals rescued from slaughter and neglect. Located just a short walk from the monastery, it became a place where rescued animals could live safely while also receiving something quite extraordinary: regular exposure to the Dharma. The animals hear mantras, encounter holy objects, and participate in practices dedicated to creating positive imprints on their mindstreams. Lama Zopa Rinpoche taught that such connections can help protect beings from lower rebirths and create causes for future happiness and liberation. As the years passed, more and more animals were rescued, and the sanctuary became increasingly crowded. When this was brought to Rinpoche’s attention, he kindly encouraged the search for additional land where the animals could enjoy greater space and better living conditions.

Land within the Kathmandu Valley was prohibitively expensive, and other potential sites were investigated. Rinpoche personally checked and performed observations on prospective locations, rejecting many because the signs were not favorable. Eventually, after years of searching, a new land was found approximately four hours from Kopan Monastery that Rinpoche approved as suitable for the sanctuary’s future home.

You can get a glimpse of what the former sanctuary in Kathmandu was like in this short video, featuring Venerable Joan sharing its story.

On July 8, 2026, the newly completed shelters welcomed their first residents as the goats and buffaloes were successfully moved to the new sanctuary in Sindhupalchok. The move to the new land was marked by a series of auspicious ceremonies to bless and consecrate the sanctuary. Gen Tencho reported that the Consecration Puja was successfully completed and included a Flag Blessing Puja, Sang Cho Puja, Trincho, and the recitation of the Wisdom Sutra (Sherab Nyingpo). These prayers and practices were dedicated to creating the best possible conditions for the animals, the caretakers, and the long-term success of the sanctuary, ensuring that this special place becomes a source of protection and spiritual benefit for all who live there.

The new Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Sindhupalchok, Nepal.

With open spaces and access to fresh grass, the animals now have greater freedom to roam, rest, and live together in a more natural environment. A veterinarian has already visited the sanctuary to assess the animals’ health and provide any necessary treatment and care.

To see the new sanctuary in Sindhupalchok and learn more about its development and the animals who now call it home, please watch this video provided by Kopan Monastery.

As we shared in a previous blog, the sanctuary’s newest residents include three young buffaloes rescued from imminent slaughter in Kathmandu in celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and with heartfelt prayers for his continued health and long life. Named Losang (Wise), Ngawang (Lord of Speech), and Jampal (Gentle Glory) by H.E. Ling Rinpoche, these precious animals were given the opportunity to live out their lives in safety and peace. One of the sanctuary’s buffaloes, Bodhichitta, was personally blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2021.

In 2026, the Animal Liberation Fund offered US$10,000 to support the continued development of the Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Sindhupalchok.

Rescued goats settling into their new home at the Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Sindhupalchok, July 2026.

While this milestone is cause for great celebration, the project continues to develop. The sanctuary still faces practical challenges, particularly during the monsoon season when landslides and heavy rains damage the temporary access road. Reliable water supplies, electricity connections, additional accommodation, quarantine facilities for newly rescued animals, volunteer housing, fencing, and further animal shelters remain part of the long-term vision.

Additionally, Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised that eight enlightenment stupas be built on the property and specifically suggested placing a stupa in front of the main animal shelter so that the animals can naturally circumambulate it as they move about their daily lives.

Thank You!

With continued support, this precious sanctuary will increasingly fulfill Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision: a place where animals rescued from fear and death can live in peace, receive continual exposure to the Dharma, and create the causes for happiness, higher rebirths, and ultimately enlightenment.

All are welcome to contribute to the Animal Liberation Fund to help ensure that our work sponsoring animal rescue, care, and liberation continues.