MEHOOPANY, PA – December 31, 2013 – Talk about a fresh start for the New Year! A frightened pig who took a leap of faith from a slaughter-bound truck last week in the midst of heavy New Jersey traffic has found himself a home! On Tuesday, January 7, with the help of national farm animal protection group Farm Sanctuary and Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary the young pig — whose bid for freedom generated a whopping 12,000+ inquiries to local authorities from citizens concerned about his well-being — will be safely transported to Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania.
It will be a happy ending for the terrified pig, whose ear tag identified him only as “303,” inspiring the title of his rescue effort, “Operation 303: Freedom Awaits.” He waited on the highway with cars roaring by for four hours before help arrived to take him to safety. Meanwhile, a Good Samaritan directed traffic around the pig to ensure that no accidents occurred and comforted him while they awaited assistance.
Having lost every pig he has ever known, in a strange setting and unsure of his own fate, this lonely and scared little boy is now waiting anxiously to find out what tomorrow will bring. Little does he know that the kind folks at Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, Farm Sanctuary and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary are working together to make his dreams come true. The three organizations, which specialize in rescuing animals from cruelty, are working together to get the brave pig needed veterinary care. From there, with a clean bill of health, the pig will be transported to Indraloka Animal Sanctuary where he will live out his days lolling in green pastures and enjoying the company of hundreds of doting school children who visit the sanctuary each year to learn about caring for themselves and the environment while helping animals in need.
“Pigs are extremely intelligent and emotional individuals,” says Farm Sanctuary National Shelter Director Susie Coston. “I’m not surprised at all that this young boy saw a bid for freedom and took it.”
Rescuers are asking for donations to help them with the pig’s veterinary expenses and ongoing care. Donations can be made at www.indraloka.org.
Indraloka Animal Sanctuary is saving hundreds of animals’ lives while modeling compassion, kindness, and personal responsibility. As one of Pennsylvania’s only farm animal rescues, Indraloka provides “heaven on earth” for over 175 animals who have nowhere else to turn. Indraloka educates the community, especially children, on ways in which we can better care for ourselves and the environment while helping animals in need. Indraloka is a 501(c)3 nonprofit situated on 30 pastoral acres nestled within the beautiful Endless Mountains. The Sanctuary’s residents include horses, mules, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and peafowl.
Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife rehabilitation center that provides care to orphaned or injured wild life. They are licensed by the state of New Jersey to care for Fawns Raccoon, Skunks Opossums, Squirrels, Rabbits, Woodchucks and other small mammals. The Sanctuary, a 120 acre preserved farm, is located in Warren County, New Jersey. They are a 501©3 nonprofit organization, entirely supported by public donations and volunteers.
The mission of Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary is to provide care and treatment to sick, injured or orphaned wild animals. Rehabilitate them back to their wild state so they can be returned to the wild. To actively educate the public to care for the ecosystems and support the environment in which they live and the wildlife they share it with. To protect and preserve our native lands for the future wildlife habitat
