JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The News4JAX I-Team is looking into a legal battle involving the fate of Celestial Farms Animal Rescue.
The future of Celestial Farms, a local nonprofit farm, animal rescue and educational center located on the Northside, remains uncertain due to an argument over finances.
Celestial Farms is currently closed to the public and many of the nonprofit’s board members aren’t allowed on the property as new and old management accuse each other of mishandling funds.
Celestial Farms is home to roughly 200 rescued farm animals, horses, pigs and goats. Now the farm is at the center of a legal battle.
Rory Malloy, Executive Director at Celestial Farms, said he took on the role back in September of 2021. He said during that time, the farm was in very bad shape as COVID crushed it financially.
“For the last year plus it’s been my life,” Malloy said. “Not only the animals, but the people there have been my family.”
Malloy said his position replaced Veronica Pasciuto, who is the current president of the farm which has been in her family for 20 years.
Malloy said he was given eight months to pay off a nearly $300,000 mortgage balloon payment that was due June 29. Back in April, the farms created a GoFundMe account in hopes of making the mortgage payment.
“Our current goal is to fully purchase the property with the upcoming balloon payment,” the GoFundMe said. “This will secure the farm’s future, a home for all of these rescued animals, and a space for the community to...
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