Scatter Joy Acres is a 15-acre urban Animal Therapy and Rescue ranch located in Murray, NE. The ranch is dedicated to rescuing and fostering abused, neglected, and abandoned animals, many of which become therapy animals in their Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program. Those animals that do not find permanent homes are trained to serve as therapists, helping people in need. The ranch’s mission is to provide support to at-risk children, developmentally disabled individuals, seniors, homeless people, the mentally ill, veterans, and those re-entering society through interactions with the animals and therapeutic programs. Visitors can enjoy the ranch as a petting zoo, where they can interact with a variety of animals, including tortoises, kangaroos, wallabies, foxes, pheasants, reindeer, coatis, a baby serval cat, and even sloths. The site offers a peaceful environment for spending a few hours, with the option to bring a picnic and enjoy the play area. Field trips for schools and company outings are also available. The staff and volunteers are caring and dedicated, making visitors feel at ease and providing seamless adoption processes for rescued animals. The ranch hosts special events, such as a living nativity during Christmas, and encourages community support and involvement. Many visitors leave inspired by the mission, the animals, and the positive impact on various groups, emphasizing the importance of spreading love and joy through creation. Scatter Joy Acres is recognized as a place of peace, love, and hope that benefits both the community and the animals it rescues.
My daughter gifted me a Sunset Experience for my birthday. We had the whole farm to ourselves! Julia showed us around and gave us some one-on-one with a few of the animals, then let us explore and take all the pictures we wanted! It was wonderful to hangout with the animals and experience the farm. Can't wait to go back!
April 2026
We had a great time exploring Hope and Joy Sanctuary in Alva. We did the general tour and an otter encounter and was so much fun. We met so many of the animals- it was great to be able to interact with so many of them. Our crowd favorites were the otters (obviously), the capybaras, and the kangaroos/wallabies. We will... read full comment
April 2026
My husband and I visited yesterday. We cannot wait to bring our kiddos. The staff was kind and informative. It is amazing to see the care they place into these animals. They also have a playground for the littles to release some energy. We Will definitely be visiting again soon.
