Sinkyone Animal Sanctuary is a testament to the power of one person’s unwavering dedication to animals in need. Founded in 2007 by Jamuna Llewellyn, the sanctuary reflects her life’s work and deep-rooted connection to nature and the creatures who share it.

Jamuna grew up in the remote and rugged Sinkyone (SING-key-own) Wilderness area of Northern California, where the land and its wildlife shaped her earliest understanding of compassion and coexistence. Raised by a family of “back-to-the-land Bohemians,” she spent her childhood among wild horses, learning to care for animals as naturally as she cared for herself. The Sinkyone people once inhabited the region she called home. This resilient Indigenous community lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years before being displaced in the 19th century. Their legacy of respect for nature left a lasting impression on Jamuna, reinforcing her belief in stewardship and sanctuary.

Though she spent years working in high-end restaurants, her heart was always drawn back to animal rescue. Her mission began with efforts to protect dolphins in Taiji, Japan, and she became committed to saving horses, donkeys, mules, and countless other animals from abuse, neglect, and slaughter. Now, as the sole caretaker of over 70 rescued animals in Sonoma County, Jamuna pours her energy into ensuring each one receives the food, medical care, and love they deserve.

This work is more than a responsibility for Jamuna—it is a spiritual calling. She believes in the divinity of caring for others, and through Sinkyone Animal Sanctuary, she embodies that philosophy every day. With each rescue, every safe home found, and every life saved, she proves that kindness is not just an act but a way of life—one that transforms both animals and the people who care for them.