A zoo for rescued animals, beneath a Key West jail

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Farm, a small zoo on the grounds of a detention facility in Key West, was started by accident in the mid-1990s when word got out that the sheriff had rescued some ducks from a nearby road. Since then, many animals – abandoned, abused, confiscated or donated – have been brought to the farm, which is maintained by a small team of people incarcerated there. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports on a zoo that is making a difference in the lives of those incarcerated as well as the more than 100 animals currently residing there.

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[jbirdz]

This is what true rehabilitation is all about. You can’t lock people away in cement boxes and think they’re going to know how change.

[MatiasGeraldoThend]

These people are doing something RIGHT. God bless them all. From the top down.

[dabagman]

Thank you for allowing me to be in the interview and also both farmers to allow me to be a part of the farm. It definitely is a huge role that got me through me hard times. Animals are the best! Loved every part of this. Staff and inmates were all a great refresh to get out too. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the interview and for people to see this great sanctuary.

[skinscountry]

Stories like this is why I love watching CBS Sunday morning . As someone that lives in Florida it’s good to see a great story like this. This would be awesome to see more jails do this if possible to make a difference in the lives of both inmates and also rescued animals.

[savaneily]

I hope that these men continue to work with animals when they are released from jail.

[Monika-mhje]

Rescued animals and troubled humans can connect and help for each other. Great program.

[lindahermstad]

This is absolutely WONDERFUL people doing something right for animals and human souls GREAT WORK

[LAURABOHDAN]

As a local here in Key West I tell you Jeanne is so knowledgeable, kind and the perfect fit for this position.

We consider Jeanne a regional treasure.

The inmates, for perhaps the first time in their lives, learn responsibility, reasoned cadence, and how to provide and accept love.

Our exceptional Sheriff, Rick Ramsey started the program and is extremely supportive of this community gem.

Love Laura

[t.k]

Thank you to the guys helping the animals.

[Jay-isjy]

This should be done more often... its crazy to think that the inmates that get to participate in this program will look back and see that the best job they ever had in life was at one of the worst times in their lives....

[BeBeBraveSpirit]

What an awesome program for the animals and the inmates!

[reneeparker]

I love people who care about our animal friends and find themselves becoming better humans because of it. I once lived in Florida and loved going to Key West, too.
Keep up the good work CBS Sunday Mornings, your positivity gives me hope and a relief from all the negative things that are always on the news.

[adelaferreira]

Caring and love is the best rehab you can have, she is doing a great job at both !

[patsystreasurehunt]

What a great program, and wonderful lady. It's refreshing to see a correctional facility's leaders be willing to try something like this. Good for the animals, the inmates, and the public.

[lindaredwood-kahn]

This is wonderful! Animals have the ability to heal our hearts if we allow it. Blessed are the beasts!

[veronicanunez]

Awesome way that a fluke and lack of animal shelter evolved to this bimonthly zoo. Animals are beautiful, exotic ambassadors for the betterment of mankind.

[MarieA]

I love this story and this place of hope ❤

[IOSAShorts]

CBS Sunday Morning, This is amazing! I subscribed right away!

[snowwilliams]

Please, more encouraging stories like this👏

[tracyjacoby]

Beautiful story showing wonderful Humans helping Animals in trouble.🥺🐾👍🤗💓 This has ALWAYS been one of my favorite News programs & unfortunately channel 2 in Chicago doesn't always come in very well and I can't afford cable TV. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story!👍🐾🤗🥰