Rescue Stories

Everyone loves Jordan. The jolly, plump Boer goat is always happy to see us. He’s kind, playful, affectionate, and often greets his friends with a hearty head nuzzle. But to be a good friend to Jordan, in return, we had to make the difficult but important decision to relocate him from our Watkins Glen, New York Sanctuary to our other Sanctuary in Acton, California. It’s a move to benefit his health, happiness, and life.

Most people wouldn't opt to celebrate their birthday at a slaughterhouse. But Sophia Deluz, a longtime vegan and seasoned rescuer, has spent years marking holidays and other special occasions by including farm animals in her festivities—not as food, but as a friends. And in early 2020, on her 27th birthday, she inspired an employee at a New York City live market to set free three hens—Helena, Misha, and Priyanka—so that they, too, could live to see another birthday.

Vector was born with a severe cross beak (her beak overlaps like scissors, instead of aligning at the tips). This makes it hard for her to eat solid foods; she just can’t get a grip due to the unnatural angle. Through experience treating similar cases, we felt that Vector could thrive.

In the cold winter of 2021, a case of “fowl play” landed four ducklings in jail.

It's not often that a natural disaster can be viewed as a lifesaver, but for 17 lucky chickens, a deadly tornado that tore through a Georgia factory farm in September 2020 ultimately spared them from cruel treatment, terrible conditions, and eventual slaughter.

Mickey was born unable to stand up or walk. He came to Farm Sanctuary, and with the help of splints and physical therapy, his mobility has been gradually improving! ⁣

These are some of our most notable rescues in 2021.

This wasn’t a one-sided relationship: Aggie needed Paula, too. Each came to Farm Sanctuary alone, afraid, and yearning for companionship. Here, they found love, safety, and healing side by side.

Shani and his guardian both needed a safe place to land. However, when the pair reached a houseless shelter, staff had to turn the tiny chick away. They couldn’t accommodate his needs — but when we learned about Shani, we knew we could help!

Jenny pressed her snout against the walls of the crate, choking through the blazing heat for a breath of fresh air. She should have spent this kind of day rolling through the cooling mud, coating each outstretched limb with nature’s sunscreen. But her throat was dry; her cramped legs ached. And nobody knew the little pig needed help.