Farm Sanctuary

Music is healing for animals, too. When not living in fear, cows are curious, contemplative, and meditative beings, so it’s no surprise Hayes was so interested in our visitors when they stopped to play music for him!

Savic came to Farm Sanctuary two years ago when his guardian, Dan, a former beef farmer, had a change of heart. He realized he could no longer continue beef production after he began to see his cows as intelligent, sentient individuals. Today, Savic is still understandably fearful around humans, but we love him all the same. He’s integrated well into his herd, and it brings us endless joy that this handsome guy (just look at his horns!) was given a second chance with us.

Sheep like Ash can pick up emotional cues in humans and commonly flock around guests who display openness and warmth and return those emotions in kind. 💚

Jerome is lucky to be alive. As a male born on a dairy farm, Jerome’s fate seemed unavoidable. Many people are unaware that males are often sold for veal or beef production because they can’t produce milk. The farm planned to sell Jerome for slaughter, but when a worker grew attached to the calf, she couldn’t imagine any harm coming his way. Jerome arrived at Farm Sanctuary at the perfect time. Just a few weeks earlier, we rescued another calf named Cashew and his mom, Liz, who are also survivors of the dairy industry. Mother cows will often adopt calves in need, and when Liz met Jerome, she chose to raise him as one of her own. The three formed a tiny herd—Jerome finally had found a family. Today, Jerome is a loyal and devoted herd member, especially to his brother, Cashew. Jerome love to spend his days running freely through our pastures—which is only possible because his rescuer saw him as someone—not something.

When we first met Bellamy, she was just a calf. Found lying in a ditch, she was covered with deep, maggot-infested wounds, fighting for her life.⁣ A local animal control agency called us earlier that day to alert us to the calf in need. Bellamy had been on the run for days, so we rushed to the scene and worked quickly to load her into our trailer and transport her to the veterinary hospital. Although Bellamy was weak, thin, and very sick, she responded well to treatment and pulled through enough to come home to our New York sanctuary. She was nervous and shy when she arrived, but everything changed when she met her new herd—she finally found a family. We’ll never know where Bellamy came from, but based on her breed, she most likely would be used for beef. All farm animals want to feel loved and cared for, so we make sure Bellamy has the best day every day. She knows how special she is to us. 💚

Five winters ago, Leigh tumbled from a transport truck heading from a dairy farm to a veal processing plant. This traumatizing accident wound end up saving his life and bringing him to Farm Sanctuary:

Before coming to Farm Sanctuary, Freddie and Lenny led parallel lives. The Jersey and Ayrshire calves were born around the same time, each at separate dairy farms in New York State. Their farmers didn't want them because male cows can’t make milk. Considered “worthless,” most are sold to slaughter for veal or beef production. Luckily, Freddie and Lenny’s rescuers helped them find sanctuary, and they met four years ago this week. The boys are now residents of Peacefield, a member of our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN)—a nationwide collective that helps us secure forever homes for farm animals in need. We couldn’t do all of this alone—it’s how we had space to take in these two calves—and the reason we can say “yes” the next time someone like Freddie or Lenny needs our help. Thank you, Peacefield, for the video of Freddie and Lenny in their forever home!

We do everything we can to make sure our rescue animals stay safe and healthy during the summer months. Because species have different needs, there are species-specific ways that we help each animal feel comfortable in the heat! Most of our animals tolerate the heat well, but we always watch out to ensure no one is overheating. If we think an animal is overheated, we will take their temperature, move them to a cooler area, or apply rubbing alcohol to their backs to help them cool down.

After Dixon’s “owner” gave him up for free because he saw him as worthless, there’s no doubt Dixon deserves a lifetime of beautiful sunrises. 💚

Happy 8th rescue anniversary, Cameron! 🎉 It’s hard to imagine that Cameron was destined for slaughter at just six months old, but that’s the reality for piglets born into animal agriculture. Because of rescue, Cameron is thriving. He’s a sweet and sassy pig who’s fond of belly rubs and will roll over just like a dog. And he still likes to snuggle up next to his best friend, Ben David, at bedtime—pigs like to stay close to their besties at night!