animalsoffarmsanctuary

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Albert! This tiny donkey has a big personality and a taste for adventure. Before coming to Farm Sanctuary, he had a reputation as an escape artist, a habit that got him into big trouble. He escaped from the farm he lived on so many times that local police officers threatened to shoot him if they found him running loose one more time. Fortunately, we learned about his situation, and we were able to bring Albert home to Farm Sanctuary to get the fresh start he needed. Since then, he’s put his wandering days behind him and has become a very happy sanctuary resident who loves his human and donkey friends at our Southern California Shelter (especially his very best friend, another donkey named Waylon).

This holiday season, we invite you to Gift Sanctuary with a special one-time sponsorship of Albert or another Farm Sanctuary resident. Interested? Learn more about sponsorships here and read Albert’s story here!

#donkeys #farm animals #animal rescue #animals #cute animals #Albert #Southern California Shelter #Adopt a Farm Animal Program #Southern California Shelter donkeys #Gift Sanctuary

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Kevin, Harley, and Quinn! These lucky little lambs had a rocky beginning, but now they’re safe for life at Farm Sanctuary, where they’ll serve as ambassadors for compassion. They’re named for two other ambassadors for compassion: filmmaker Kevin Smith and his daughter, actress and activist Harley Quinn Smith, both of whom are animal lovers and vegans who use their platform to help make the world a kinder place. We’re so excited that this incredible lamb trio will spend the rest of their lives knowing nothing but love, kindness, and care! Read their story here.

#lambs #animals #animal rescue #sheep #cute animals #Kevin #Harley #Quinn #New York Shelter #New York Shelter sheep

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

A picture truly tells a thousand words. 

The images on the left are “before” shots of our new friends Rory, Paris, Lane, and Luke (above) and Lorelai (below). The sheep and donkey came to us from a cruelty case where they were found sick, emaciated, and terrified. Of course, the photos on the right are the “after” shots showing the remarkable progress they’ve made since coming to Farm Sanctuary earlier this year. When presented with the before-and-after photos, the defendant in the case shook his head and admitted his guilt in their mistreatment. Now, these five are safe for life and have so much to look forward to! Read their story.

#animals #animal rescue #sheep #donkeys #rescue animals #New York Shelter #cruelty cases #Lorelai #Rory #Paris #Lane #Luke

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Yeti: The “baaad boy” of the sheep barn when we first introduced him, he was actually telling us just what he needed, and we listened. Happily, we found the perfect living situation for him in another part of the sanctuary, with new pasture-mates including goats, sheep, alpacas, and cattle. Among those Yeti has bonded with in his new home: Isaac steer (above).

Read Yeti’s and Isaac’s stories, and tune in to the happenings in their pasture through our live-streaming Explore.org cams.

#animals #animal rescue #sheep #farm animals #rescue animals #New York Shelter #Yeti #Isaac

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Alice!  After nearly losing her life as a result of an often-misunderstood diagnosis, she’s getting the fresh start she needs at Farm Sanctuary’s Southern California Shelter and winning the hearts of all she meets! 

Read her story here.

#animals #goats #animal rescue #farm animals #rescue animals #Alice #Southern California Shelter

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

World, Meet Sophie!

This adorable new Farm Sanctuary resident had a tough start in life, but is now getting the help she needs at our New York Shelter. Born with contracted tendons that left her unable to walk, Sophie nearly met an awful fate, but was instead taken in by a kind farm worker who saw her will to life and was determined to help. Through this worker’s compassion, Sophie was able to get a fresh start at Farm Sanctuary, where she’s now making great progress. Read her story and see video of her here.

#animal rescue #lambs #sheep #animals #cute animals #baby animals #new york shelter #Sophie #veterinary care #new york shelter sheep #new residents

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Rufio, a rescued goat who’s getting the help he needs at Farm Sanctuary!

This very special young goat has a fighting spirit and a sheer love of life that inspire all who meet him. Born on a small farm where goats were raised for meat, Rufio would have met the same fate — but for health issues that left him unable to stand or walk. Today at Farm Sanctuary, he’s standing tall with the help of a wheeled cart he loves to use to go exploring and looking for tasty snacks! Read his story and see video of him in his cart (captured by none other than filmmaker Kevin Smith, who described Rufio as his “hero”!).

#goats #animals #baby animals #animal rescue #goat #Rufio #Southern California Shelter #rescue animals

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Alexander Beans, Who Found Sanctuary Thanks to a Compassionate State Trooper

New York State Trooper Alex Krawczyk was patrolling his beat one morning when he got the call of his career. In Beaver Dams, NY — less than 30 minutes from Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter — residents awoke to the sound of mooing, and were surprised to find a frightened calf peering through their window back at them. As soon as they went out to help, he was on the run again, so they called authorities in the interest of both the calf’s safety and the public’s. Krawczyk, trained to expect the unexpected, set out to corral the runaway calf; nothing, however, would prepare him for the effect this dispatch would soon have on him.

Assisted by the neighbors, Krawczyk was eventually able to capture the calf — now wet and shivering from being out in the rain. One neighbor offered to keep him in their heated garage while Krawczyk scoped out the area to figure out where he had come from. 

When no one claimed the calf, Krawczyk called his girlfriend Krystle, who works at Farm Sanctuary, to see if we could help. Krystle contacted National Shelter Director Susie Coston, and we sent out a team to pick up the calf and get him the care he needed.

When we arrived on the scene, we saw that the calf’s ear was torn and bloody from an ear tag, and he was having trouble breathing. We rushed him to Cornell University’s Nemo Farm Animal Hospital, where veterinarians diagnosed him with pneumonia and started him on a nebulizer. While initially on edge and wary of his surroundings, he soon realized that we were here to help, and he began to relax and trust us. Within minutes, he laid his head in Susie’s lap, eager to have all the attention he could get. No longer terrified, his sweet personality began to shine through, and we were more than happy to give this lonely boy the companionship he craved.

The following day, the calf’s “owner" came forward to claim him. The woman had apparently purchased him for $200 earlier that week, and he'd escaped from her farm — located eight to 12 miles away from the place Krawczyk had found him. This means that, once separated from his mother and his herd, the calf panicked and ran for miles in search of safety and security.

When Krawczyk spoke with the woman, he explained that the calf was very sick, and that his veterinary care at Cornell would cost more than six times his initial purchase price. In situations like this, farmers often opt to cut their losses on sick animals and relinquish them. Farmers typically deem it a more economical option to replace a sick animal with a healthier one, rather than investing more money into the sick animal's care than he or she may be "worth" to them financially. In the end, the woman thankfully ceased her inquiries about the calf, and we were able to bring our new friend home to Farm Sanctuary.

We asked to name him “Alex,” in Krawczyk’s honor — but the trooper humbly inquired if we could instead name him “Beans,” after his beloved cat. We decided to combine the two names, and so Alexander Beans came to be. Krawczyk remains extremely fond of Alexander Beans, and plans to visit him soon. In the meantime, we’re getting to know our new friend better each day and are so glad that he will be able to live the Farm Sanctuary life.

Alexander Beans is an inspiring ambassador for calves just like him, demonstrating how all beings want and deserve to live — and how their lives can touch so many others’ when we give them the chance. We’re so excited to watch his journey unfold, and we thank Trooper Krawczyk, the veterinarians at Cornell, and members and supporters like you for making this possible.

Alexander Beans found a best friend in another rescued bovine named Bonnie. In this video originally streamed live on Farm Sanctuary’s Facebook page, Susie checks in with Bonnie and introduces Alexander Beans. 

Please share Alexander Beans’ story to help spread the word that calves like him are each someone, not something. With your support, Farm Sanctuary can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through our rescue, education, and advocacy work. A compassionate world begins with you!

Alexander Beans’ circle of friends has since expanded to include Sven, Howard, and Milton calves. Above, Susie visits with this happy group.

#animals #animal rescue #baby animals #rescue #animal #New York Shelter #cattle #New York Shelter cattle

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

After a Traumatic Injury, Hope Hen Finds the Care She Needs at Farm Sanctuary

New Farm Sanctuary resident Hope is a survivor: At just four months old, she had to fight for her life after a fox attacked her flock, severely damaging her leg in the process.

When farm animals are sick or injured, it’s unfortunately common for them to go without the treatment they need. Providing veterinary care in these situations can be very costly, and many “owners” simply opt to replace an animal rather than providing expensive care. 

Fortunately, Hope had a “guardian angel” who saw her as someone, not something. Seeing that Hope needed and deserved more care than she could provide, she reached out to Farm Sanctuary for help, and we gladly welcomed our sweet new friend to our New York Shelter.

We brought Hope to Cornell’s Companion Animal Hospital and our friends in the Exotics department there, who are the best at all things chicken! There, she had surgery for a compound fracture (the bone was sticking out) and infection in the bone. Although this surgery was risky, we were all hopeful that Hope could get back on her feet. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and she came home to our New York Shelter to recuperate. While she still has a long road ahead of her, Hope is happily adjusting to Farm Sanctuary life and growing healthier and stronger every day.

Hope has an incredible team by her side to help her do just that. Our caregivers lovingly guide her through her daily physical therapy sessions and make sure that she feels as comfortable as possible through every stage of her recovery. While we must keep Hope on isolation as she heals, she “chats” with the other chickens in the neighboring pens and enjoys lots of love and attention from her caregivers. She has nourishing food, water, and a safe place to sleep each night, and loves to snuggle up in the cozy nest of towels we built for her.

Since she’s so young, Hope still has a lot of growing to do, and only time will tell how her leg will adjust. In the meantime, however, she’s in great spirits and making the most out of her second chance at life. This brave little lady is an incredible ambassador for farm animals like her. Her journey to sanctuary shows that no matter our circumstances, there is always hope for a beautiful life ahead.

Please share Hope’s story. Together, we can spread the word that, like her, every farm animal is a sentient individual deserving of our kindness and care. With your support, Farm Sanctuary can continue to promote farm-animal-friendly living through rescue, education, and advocacy. A compassionate world begins with you!

#chickens #birds #animal rescue #bird #rescue animals #New York Shelter #Hope #New York Shelter chickens

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Goodwin Goat: Living the Good Life at Farm Sanctuary!

One of our favorite things about Farm Sanctuary life is seeing our rescued residents come into their own, and that’s especially true for our good friend Goodwin. Found wandering the streets of the Bronx 10 years ago, the tiny goat had likely escaped one of New York City’s many live markets — places where people purchase animals to be slaughtered for food on the spot.

At just 6 months old, Goodwin was sick, weak, frightened, and facing a terrible fate — but somehow, he managed to make his escape. 

Fortunately, Goodwin next found himself with our friends at the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). When the ACC asked us if we could offer Goodwin a permanent home, we eagerly welcomed him to our New York Shelter, excited to help our new friend get the fresh start he deserved. But it would take some time for Goodwin to feel comfortable and safe in his new home.

Up until that point, he’d had no reason to trust people; animals who’ve come from live markets are typically among the most terrified beings we encounter in our rescue work. Initially, Goodwin was so frightened that he would throw himself against walls to get away from his new caregivers, which made providing health care a challenge. Sadly, Goodwin needed a lot of help: He was malnourished and had pneumonia, lice, an eye infection, and a runny, puffy nose. As we lovingly provided treatment for his ailments, however, he gradually came to realize that we had his best interests at heart, and began to feel more at ease.

As Goodwin healed both physically and psychologically, we were delighted when he slowly began letting us into his world. Behind his shy, timid exterior was a sweet, silly, and caring friend, and as he grew more comfortable around us, he realized that he could let his true colors show.

Once he was well enough to join a herd of his own, he met some good friends who gave him the confidence to truly come into his own and shine! Goats are herd animals and do best with other goats by their side, and with new friends like Simon — an older pygmy goat (and a fellow live-market escapee) who took Goodwin under his wing — and Juniper, Goodwin’s world became complete. He loved playing on the goat jungle gym with his pals, and even began to befriend new human friends on our public sanctuary tours. Goodwin realized that he was safe and loved, and these loving relationships helped him thrive.

Sadly, when some of his herdmates, including his beloved Simon, passed away, Goodwin grew depressed and withdrawn. We did our best to comfort him during this time, but once again, the love of his herd proved to be the greatest medicine of all. Around the same time, another of our goat residents, Marjorie, was also dealing with a difficult loss. She and Goodwin bonded through their grief, and their love helped each other heal. The pair remains inseparable to this day, and we feel privileged to watch them grow old side by side — supporting one another and demonstrating how love makes us better together.

To this day, Goodwin still picks his friends with intention; while he remains shy around newcomers, he’ll sometimes pick a specific human to spend time with and won’t leave their side — and once he’s your friend, he’s a friend for life. It’s one of the qualities we like best about Goodwin: He approaches his relationships with utmost sincerity, showing his loved ones just how special they are to him. For such a little goat, our dear friend is a giant ambassador for farm animals like him — and his journey shows that when we do “good,” we all win.

Please share Goodwin’s story to help spread the word that goats like him are each someone, not something. Your support powers all of our rescue, education, and advocacy work on behalf of farm animals. A compassionate world begins with you!

Farm Sanctuary’s most recent rescues are a pair of goats who, like Goodwin, appear to be escapees from a New York City live market. These new friends, rescued from Brooklyn subway tracks on August 20, are just beginning their Farm Sanctuary journey; meet them here!

#goats #animal rescue #farm animals #animal rights #rescue animals #New York Shelter #Goodwin #New York Shelter goats #NYC rescues #live-market survivors

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Frankie Lamb, Whose Rough Start Turned Into a Bright Future

If you met Frankie today, you’d simply see a sweet, vibrant lamb who loves her life and everyone in it. But Frankie's life nearly turned out very differently.

Shortly before Frankie was born, farmers discovered an outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis (CL) — a contagious, incurable disease that causes abscesses throughout the body — among the ewes in the flock. Since CL can spread to lambs through their mothers’ milk, farmers hoped to prevent the spread of the illness by separating babies from their mothers and culling the affected ewes. Somehow, little Frankie escaped notice during the culling operation and was discovered nursing from her mother. Rather than risk exposing the other lambs, farmers decided to allow Frankie to come to Farm Sanctuary.

Frankie arrived with her tail banded — a painful, yet common procedure that farmers employ to remove lambs’ tails. (Among larger flocks, farmers have trouble providing the individualized attention that each animal requires; tail docking is an unfortunately common method of preventing urine and feces from building up, which can attract maggots and lead to infection.) By the time she arrived at Farm Sanctuary, Frankie’s tail was too far gone to save. Thankfully, it was no longer causing her any pain by this point, and it eventually fell off without further incident.

Frankie also had to contend with a nasty bout of cryptosporidium — a contagious intestinal parasite that causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress. Fortunately, our expert caregivers were with her every step of the way as she recovered from this illness in our onsite Melrose Small Animal Hospital.

Everyone who meets Frankie agrees that she’s special. She’s loving, attentive, and a big fan of snuggling, often pawing at her human friends for more affection — just like a dog or cat would. (Of course, everyone is happy to oblige!) Frankie is an incredible ambassador for farm animals like her, demonstrating how we all may thrive when treated with compassion and care. We’re so excited to watch her beautiful life continue to unfold!

Please share Frankie’s story to help spread the word that every farm animal is someone, not something. Your support makes all of our rescue, education, and advocacy work possible. Thank you for putting compassion first!

#animals #lambs #animal rescue #sheep #rescue animals #Frankie

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Isaac & Marilyn: A Unique Friendship Between Steer and Goat Blossoms at Sanctuary

When we think about our favorite love stories, we’re often drawn to those that seem to defy the odds — the ones where two individuals who might seem on the surface have nothing in common find common ground and truly thrive together. Such is the case with Isaac steer and Marilyn goat, two individuals from very different backgrounds (and species!) who nonetheless found true friendship in each other at Farm Sanctuary.

Isaac is a steer who strongly identifies with his goat buddies — and none more than Marilyn. Aching for companionship when he arrived at Farm Sanctuary and never having lived with other cattle, Isaac chose his goat “people” right away.

Sadly, before coming to Farm Sanctuary, Isaac lived at a facility that described itself as a sanctuary, but in reality fell far short of that claim. Isaac spent years living alone without proper food or medical care, his situation only coming to light through a PETA undercover investigation. Sadly, Isaac came to us emaciated and suffering from pneumonia, diarrhea, and a rotting wound on his ear that all required immediate care.

Upon arriving at our New York Shelter, he initially needed to be kept in isolation while his health issues were addressed. During this time, we also got to learn more about who he is as an individual — and what a very special individual he is. One of the many reasons it’s so important to get to know each and every resident well is to make sure they’re in an environment that helps them thrive; after all, it’s just as important that we accommodate an individual’s emotional needs as their physical ones.

Often, animals prefer to be in the company of others of their own species. At first, Isaac communicated with our main cattle herd over the fence after hearing mooing from their pasture. On one fateful day, however, he told us who his people really are. We brought Isaac to a pen by the sheep barn to clean his wounds and conduct a health check; Isaac, however, had other plans. Captivated by the sheep and goats on the other side, Isaac stood up on the gate to try to be with them. 

While the sheep were not particularly keen on Isaac’s attempts at friendship, we figured that he would do well in a setting where goats and cattle already lived together: our “Wisconsin barn” (so named for the location from which some of its residents were rescued). It was there that Isaac met Marilyn, and the course of their lives changed forever.

Baby Ingrid (left) and Marilyn.

Marilyn and her twin sister Ingrid were born at Farm Sanctuary after their parents, Patrick and Delilah — who was pregnant at the time of the rescue — were saved from terrible circumstances. Since Patrick was too rowdy at the time to be around his newborn daughters, the girls grew up living with their mother and friends in an area near the sheep barn. Sadly, Delilah passed away a few years ago due to complications from caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), a degenerative disease that she contracted prior to her rescue. After Delilah’s passing, we decided to move the girls to be with their father, who had mellowed considerably over the years and was now living in the Wisconsin barn. Surrounded by family and new friends, Marilyn’s heart began to heal. It was through her newfound bond with Isaac, however, that she truly began to come into her own.

Father and daughters, together again: Marilyn (left), Patrick (center), and Ingrid reunited in the Wisconsin pasture.

Isaac, delighted to join the goats at last, took to Marilyn’s group immediately — and Marilyn clearly returned this sweet steer’s affection. While Isaac has access to other cattle in this group, it’s the goats with whom he has formed the closest bonds.

These days, Isaac and his goat buddies — particularly Marilyn and Ingrid — remain inseparable. They eat, walk, and hang out in the barn together. One of the girls’ favorite pastimes is hiding under their giant friend whenever we approach for hoof trimmings or health checks. 

While Isaac is a gentle giant, his huge horns require extra care to be taken around them — so it can be a bit of a challenge to get to Marilyn and the others with their loyal protector on guard! Still, we can’t help but smile when we see them together, and we are so glad that they’ve each found an incredible partner who makes them better together.

At Farm Sanctuary, we see every day how love transforms lives — and it warms our hearts to witness the inspiring journeys that your love and support make possible. Isaac and Marilyn’s interspecies friendship shows that we don’t need to look alike, or even come from similar circumstances, to find common ground — what matters most is the love that we share.

#goats #cattle #animals #animal rescue #animal rights #New York Shelter #Isaac #Marilyn #goat #steer #Wisconsin Pasture #interspecies friendship

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Welcome to Farm Sanctuary, little duckling!

We have “baby fever” here in Watkins Glen! Farm Sanctuary’s youngest resident is already making a splash, and we’re so excited to introduce our new bundle of joy to the world! Safe at our New York Shelter, this little duckling has an incredible life ahead of her — but sadly, this nearly wasn’t the case.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck shortly after our friend was born. Her mother was found dead and there was no sign of other siblings. While we’re not precisely sure what happened, we do know that the odds were against this family from the start. The mother duck had clearly been dumped at nearby Seneca Lake, but as a Pekin — a domestic breed — she was unequipped to survive in the wild.

Left to her own devices, we can assume that mama duck did everything in her power to protect her family from harm. Sadly, though, domestic animals are vulnerable to wildlife attacks, and it’s possible that this fate befell the duckling’s family — leaving her as the sole survivor. Orphaned and afraid, she sought the companionship of a wild duck flock. But the flock rejected our little friend’s advances, as wild ducks do not typically take to outsiders like her.

Thankfully, a caring person saw the situation and sought help from Shelly, our local wildlife rehabilitator, who in turn asked us if we could provide a forever home for this baby in need.

Thankfully, our little duckling friend is doing well and enjoying Farm Sanctuary life! Weighing in at just a few ounces, she still has plenty of growing to do, so we’re keeping a close eye on her at our onsite Melrose Small Animal Hospital. Don’t let her small size fool you, though — this impossibly cute and yellow little fluffball has a personality that's larger than life! She loves spending time with her new human friends; favorite pastimes include climbing up our arms and legs, and then snuggling into our laps after long explorations. She cries out for attention when we leave the room, but of course, we're more than happy to return and oblige. She’s also made a new best friend in another recent rescue, and together they’re “getting their feet wet” learning how to be ducks! Her days are filled with love, light, and kindness — just like any baby’s life should be.

Life is going swimmingly for our new friend, and we’re so glad you can be a part of her journey. Stay tuned for more updates on this adorable new resident!

Please share this sweet duckling's story and spread the word that, just like her, every animal is someone, not something. With your support, we can continue to promote farm-animal-friendly living through our rescue, education, and advocacy work. A compassionate world begins with you!

#ducks #birds #animal rescue #baby animals #cute animals #New York Shelter #ducklings #new residents #New York Shelter ducks

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Clarabell Goat: A Decade of Love, Laughter, and Hope at Farm Sanctuary

It’s been said that you can learn a lot about someone by walking a mile in their shoes, and Farm Sanctuary resident Clarabell goat is no exception.

Rescued from neglect at just 6 months of age, Clarabell had such severe foot problems that veterinarians believed she would never walk again. But thanks to the devotion of a compassionate 12-year-old girl, Clarabell’s story turned out very differently. With her young friend’s unwavering support, Clarabell found her way to Farm Sanctuary, where she received the individualized care she needed to heal and thrive — and she’s been standing tall ever since.

Clarabell spent her early days  at a petting zoo, where she met the girl who would save her life. While many people think of petting zoos as offering harmless, family-friendly fun, the reality for the animals is often quite different. These operations typically favor baby animals, but most visitors don’t stop to consider what happens to these babies when they grow up. They’re commonly sold for profit, and replaced with new babies to continue the cycle.

And when animals like Clarabell have health issues, petting-zoo operators often choose not to invest in their care, since they plan to replace them anyway. In Clarabell’s case, she was forced to crawl on her knees because untreated laminitis — a painful inflammatory condition — prevented her from walking normally. She also suffered from terrible lice and mange that left large bald patches across her body. Her needs were being ignored — that is, until she met the caring young person whose intervention would change her life.

Clarabell with her young rescuer.

Clarabell’s new friend knew that the little goat needed help, and her parents convinced the petting-zoo operator to relinquish her to their care. But Clarabell was not out of the woods yet: Veterinarian after veterinarian said there was nothing they could do, and recommended euthanasia to end her suffering. While sitting in the third vet’s waiting room, though, Clarabell and her young friend met someone who was perfectly positioned to help.

As fate would have it, Dan D’Eramo, Farm Sanctuary’s chief rescue and investigations officer at the time, was visiting the same veterinary hospital that day during the investigation of a nearby cruelty case. Upon meeting this goat in need, Dan immediately contacted National Shelter Director Susie Coston, setting the wheels in motion for a happy ending to Clarabell’s story. While others had given up on Clarabell, we believed that she could live a beautiful life if given the chance. We welcomed her without hesitation to our New York Shelter, where we quickly got to work trimming her hooves, treating her lice and mange, and giving her the TLC she needed to recover and thrive.

Clarabell lived indoors while she recuperated that winter, since she was still very thin and her body was especially sensitive to the cold as her hair grew back in. She was very receptive to the treatment she received and loved her caregivers from the start, clearly understanding that we had her best interests at heart. Day by day, she took small steps on the road to recovery; after repeated hoof trimmings, for example, she was able to put her crawling days behind her and begin to walk again! But she still needed some extra support as she learned to navigate the world around her. Enter her adorable, yet functional, pink converse sneakers: perfect for adding traction on the tile floors of our original “white house” hospital building.

Clarabell in her adorable, functional shoes!

As much as Clarabell loved her caregivers, we knew that she would truly thrive in a herd of her own. Just months earlier, we’d rescued a group of lambs from terrible circumstances. Clarabell bonded with one of them, Madeline, while both were at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (where Clarabell had been taken for radiographs and Madeline was receiving treatment). We decided to try the two together, and they bonded right away. Once both girls were ready, they moved in with our main sheep flock.

It was in the sheep barn that Clarabell began to truly shine; once her physical health had improved, nothing could stop her from being herself and sharing her incredible personality with the world! She’s always been very funny; one of our favorite Clarabell memories (and a reason we now ask people to leave their personal belongings outside the barn) involved her fondness for reaching into visitors’ bags, figuring that she’d help herself to their contents! She’s always been a hit with her adoring fans, whether on our sanctuary tours or through our live-streaming explore.org cams, and she’s been a dear and supportive friend to all who are lucky enough to know her.

Clarabell and her dear friend Joey.

Our late friend Joey goat, for example, benefited from Clarabell’s sweet company toward the end of his life. As Joey slowed down and began to have trouble keeping up with the herd, Clarabell would stay by his side as he walked at his own pace to and from the barn, seeing to it that he had the support and companionship he needed. She would also keep Samantha — a special-needs sheep from the same group as Madeline — company when she lagged behind the flock, and always saw to it that shy Samantha got her fair share of food around pushier flockmates. And then there’s her sweet interspecies relationship with Francis sheep — they chose each other out of approximately 80 other individuals in their barn and are often seen nuzzling each other!

Clarabelle and Francis.

One of her closest relationships, however, has been with Skye, the former head of the sheep barn’s goat contingent, who moved to another part of the sanctuary to convalesce during an illness. Skye’s absence was tough for Clarabell, and she began spending more and more time alone. While Clarabell is well liked by all (goat, sheep, and human alike), it took her some time to once again find a pal she’d connect with as strongly as she had with Skye.

Panza, Shannon, and Clarabell relaxing in the barn.

We were delighted when she found that connection in a newer friend, Panza goat. Like Clarabell, Panza hadn’t had a close friend among the barn’s goat crew. Bruce, Cynthia, and Shannon goats, for example, spend much of their time together; though Panza came to us from the same rescue, she wasn’t quite as close with the group. Everything changed, however, when she connected with Clarabell, and the girls have grown quite close. (They even look a little alike, with their similar facial stripes!)

Clarabell and Panza.

From the neglected youngster we met a decade ago to the beautiful girl (both inside and out) she is today, Clarabell’s inspiring transformation is a true testament to the power that each of us, young or old, has to make a difference in the life of another. In her 10 years with us and counting, this incredible ambassador has helped so many individuals see that each and every farm animal is someone, not something! 

Please share Clarabell’s story of survival and resilience. Together, we can increase awareness and understanding about the rich emotional lives of goats like her. With your support, we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy work. A compassionate world begins with you!

#goats #animals #animal rescue #goat #animal #New York Shelter #Clarabell #New York Shelter goats #New York Shelter sheep barn #petting zoos #animal videos

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

We’re Having a Heat Wave! Here’s How Our Rescued Residents Are Keeping Cool.

Wow, it's hot out there! But the animals at Farm Sanctuary are staying nice and cool. Here, National Shelter Director Susie Coston shares how we help keep everyone comfortable during a heat wave!

#animals #animal rescue #animal videos #rescue animals #animal care #New York Shelter #Farm Sanctuary life

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Meet Milton Calf, Who Survived the Dairy Industry and Found a Happy New Life at Farm Sanctuary

Born into the dairy industry, Milton was considered to be of little worth because, as a male, he would never grow up to produce milk for profit. But at Farm Sanctuary, we know that animals like him are each someone, not something, with inherent worth as the individuals they are.

In the dairy industry, male calves like Milton are typically sold as newborns to be raised for veal or beef. Many of these babies never even get the chance to nurse from their mothers. Unfortunately, they're often deprived of the immunity-boosting colostrum they need to get a healthy start, and when they become ill — as Milton did — farmers don’t have an economic incentive to provide the treatment they need.

Upon realizing that Milton and a few other calves would not sell at auction, their “owner” decided to get rid of them. As he was loading them onto his pickup truck, however, a young man and woman driving past the dairy stopped to inquire about them. The woman, a big fan of cows, fell in love with Milton immediately and asked if she could take him off the farmer’s hands. He agreed to relinquish the little calf, and Milton’s new friend reached out to Farm Sanctuary to get him the help he needed.

Milton had to be treated for cryptosporidium, a contagious gastrointestinal parasite that’s common in calves who don’t receive enough colostrum from their mothers. He was too thin for his age and had a hard time putting on weight, but at Farm Sanctuary, he’s rebounding under the expert care of our devoted caregiving team.

One look at this sweet boy is enough to see him for the unique and special individual he is. At Farm Sanctuary, he’ll always be treated with the love and care he deserves – and he’ll be a powerful ambassador for other calves just like him who aren’t as lucky.

You make a difference for calves like Milton every time you choose animal-friendly alternatives to dairy products. With so many delicious plant-based milks, cheeses, ice creams, and other products available, it’s easier than ever to enjoy your favorite foods without causing harm to animals!

Please share Milton’s story to help spread the word that farm animals like him deserve better and we each have the power to make a difference for them. With your support, Farm Sanctuary can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through our rescue, education, and advocacy work. A compassionate world begins with you!

#animals #animal rescue #baby animals #cute animals #rescue animals #calves #New York Shelter #Milton #dairy survivors #New York Shelter cattle #dairy boy

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

Happy Birthday, Dawn!

Dawn cow wasn't especially interested in the apple slices we gave her for her recent 21st birthday, but she did seem to like her party hat! Dawn has come so far since arriving at Farm Sanctuary as a tiny, malnourished calf. This special girl is absolutely beloved by all of her human and bovine friends and has been an amazing mother figure to a number of rescued calves over the years. Like every farm animal, Dawn is truly someone, not something!

#cows #animals #animal rights #vegan #animal rescue #Dawn #videos #birthday