Rescued: April 3, 2017

Aria spent her fertile years as a “layer” hen on a factory farm. Confined indoors to a battery cage crammed with several other overstressed hens, she had little space to stretch her wings.

Once Aria’s egg production declined, her “owners” sent her off to be gassed. Against all odds, she survived: An employee found her on a “dead pile,” gasping for air next to her fallen friends. He couldn’t leave her to die—or return her for slaughter—after knowing how hard she had fought to survive.

She spent the rest of her life with gusto, and loved running around with her new flock: dustbathing, soaking up the sun, and filling her lungs with fresh Sanctuary air.

Rescued: October 30, 2008

Tricia’s former “owners” found her difficult to handle, and planned to sell the blind dairy cow to slaughter. By contrast, we admired Tricia for her passion and resilience.

At Farm Sanctuary, Tricia found solace in other cows paired with her due to their special needs. She learned to navigate her pasture by heart, and loved grooming her beloved friends.

In later years, Tricia had a few procedures to enhance her quality of life: first, a successful surgery for eye cancer, and then a riskier one to repair leg issues. While the latter surgery went well, however, Tricia had a difficult recovery. Without a sign of improvement, we ultimately had to lay her to rest.

Rescued: October 30, 2016

When Tig appeared at a lake one day, the locals knew that something was amiss. The Muscovy was a domestic breed; however, someone had likely tried “returning” her to the wild. But domestic ducks need help finding food and shelter—and with winter approaching, she might not survive on her own.

At Farm Sanctuary, Tig quickly bonded with our caregiving team. She loved to chat and would often preen our fingers, clothing, and hair as though they were feathers; it was an act of care and acceptance into her honorary flock.

Overtime, Tig made other (feathered) friends within our main duck and goose flock. This change was bittersweet, as Tig no longer relied on humans for her companionship (though she still obliged us when we came to say hello). Ultimately, though, we were proud to see her strike out on her own, and to find her place among other birds at last.

Rescued: April 15, 2008

Moo’s rescuer found him tied to a car. We can only guess what came before: Moo was a Holstein—a dairy breed—and most farmers have no use for males, since they can’t produce milk. Some farmers cull their boys on-site; others sell them for veal or cheap beef.

Instead, the sprightly boy came to live at Farm Sanctuary—and in time, he matured into a calm, protective, and gentle giant. Moo was a mentor to younger calves learning their way around a herd. And he was also a favorite among humans—always patient and accepting of our deep bear-hugs, and eager to offer sandpapery kisses in return.

Rescued: October 13, 2015

Gertrude was the sole survivor of predator attacks against her flock. The attacks occurred, in part, because her guardian didn’t have the means to provide the chickens with proper care. With help from a concerned neighbor, we were able to bring Gertrude to safety.

This beautiful Brahma lived in the turkey barn—but she didn’t always stay there! She was an adventurous hen who liked to sneak out through the fence and spend her days wandering the grounds. We often found her hanging out with the neighboring chickens—soaking up the sun, grabbing fallen seeds from the bird and squirrel feeders, or relaxing in the shade of her favorite trees.

Rescued: November 6, 2018

Peggy was born with contracted tendons: a condition that caused unnatural bend to her legs, and prevented her from walking properly. Her “owners,” dairy farmers, had tried to help. But her ongoing care was too expensive—especially since Peggy could never be of profit to the dairy. As her condition worsened, they discussed sending her to slaughter.

Veterinarians thought Peggy might have a chance. We received custody—and after multiple surgeries, and with supportive splints and casting, Peggy could stand and walk on her own! At Farm Sanctuary, Peggy joined a small group of other cows with special needs. She loved relaxing in the barn, grooming her friends, and feeling the grass beneath her feet.

Unfortunately, Peggy continued to experience complications—and additional surgeries and corrective procedures weren’t helping. Rather than put her through undue strain, we made the difficult choice to say goodbye. We miss sweet Peggy’s gentle nuzzles and her indomitable spirit.

Rescued: October 9, 2020

Avril’s former home burned in a catastrophic wildfire. She moved in with a neighbor, who noticed that her leg was splayed—stretching past 90° to one side, and preventing her from standing and walking properly. With surgery, veterinarians felt she could regain much of its use.

For weeks, our caregiving team did everything they could to keep Avril comfortable and support a healthy recovery. Sadly, her condition continued to decline, and the doctors discovered that her bones would never reform properly.

Given all the trauma she endured before coming to Farm Sanctuary—and all our work fighting for her to pull through—her loss was especially hard. But we take comfort in the knowledge that Avril’s final days were filled with care and love—something that very few farm animals, especially those with life-threatening injuries, get to experience.