After comedy, Jon Stewart to start animal sanctuary

After signing off as host of “The Daily Show,” comedian Jon Stewart has revealed a new vocation - starting a sanctuary for abused farm animals.

Stewart, who ended his influential show on the Comedy Central network in August, was honored with his wife Tracey at a gala Saturday night of Farm Sanctuary, which provides shelter to animals rescued from factory farms.

“I’m a little uncomfortable. I’ve spent the last 20 years immersed in the world of Washington politics and the media landscape, so I don’t know how to deal necessarily with people who have empathy,” Stewart told the all-vegan banquet at The Plaza Hotel in New York.

Tracey Stewart, surrounded by Jon and the couple’s two children, announced that the family had bought a farm in New Jersey to serve as an animal sanctuary accompanied by an educational center.

Stewart, whose show began in 1999, emerged as a liberal conscience and scourge of conservatives through his biting criticism of politicians and cable television news. For many younger viewers, Stewart himself became a primary media source.

Stewart repeatedly raised animal welfare on his show, notably by lampooning New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for vetoing a proposed ban on confining pigs to small crates.

Tracey Stewart is known for her advocacy on animal rights, recently publishing a book on the topic.