On September 13, Farm Sanctuary hosted a virtual roundtable to explore a commonly asked question: Do farm animals have personalities? The answer may seem obvious to many of us whose lives are graced with animals we know and love. Yet, there remains a need to raise awareness of what the world of science is already learning: farm animals, too, are individuals with remarkable personalities and traits that make them uniquely themselves.

Moderated by Farm Sanctuary’s Alexandra Bookis (Sr. Manager of U.S. Government Affairs), the roundtable featured insights from our very own Ardyn Cieslak (Humane Education Manager) and Grace Garner (Animal Care Manager, Wellness), who each shared memorable moments and videos that revealed the personalities of some of Farm Sanctuary’s rescued residents.

“Farm Sanctuary is a place where animals are our friends, not our food,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder, Gene Baur, leading us off. “We believe that as people get to know who these individuals are, they may reconsider whether they want to eat them.”

• Mason sheep is shy at first, but loves back scratches and will even cut off people he likes by standing in their way so they have to give him more attention before they leave.
• Siren chicken is outgoing, enjoys looking at herself in the camera, and meets caregivers at the gate to walk with them — much like a dog might do.
• George, Jack, and Fergus pigs love belly rubs, like many pigs — another thing they have in common with our dog friends!
• Cowboy steer is affectionate and loves to groom his cow and human friends alike with scratchy kisses.
• Maggie goat gently paws at her caregivers to ask for more scratches and affection.
• Many residents actively ask for attention, like Diane cow who pushes her hip into caregivers to show where she wants scratches — and Thatcher goose who sits in someone’s lap to ask for cuddles.
  
• Erol chicken purrs — like a cat! — when he is feeling happy and relaxed, and is very comfortable getting pets from people.

Like humans, other animals find friends who they can relate to, forming friendships and lasting bonds. Elliott and Emo goats play and gently headbutt together. Vermicelli chicken, who loved listening to music, also loved dustbathing alongside his buddy Thurston.

• Nemo goat loves investigating new things in his environment, and even discovered how to move a jacket zipper up and down with some help.
• Tatiana goat realized she can use a door latch to scratch an itch in the hard-to-reach spot between her horns — and other goats, like Henry, watched and followed suit!
• Pietro steer is mischievous and likes to play with caregivers’ clothing or take things out of their pockets.
• Our chicken residents have favorite enrichment toys, like Lil Wayne, who loves toilet paper rolls covered in food and Jinora, who loves playing the drums.
  

As Gene pointed out, “Some animals are much more outgoing than others; some are more shy than others. Some individuals have days when they’re more outgoing and days when they’re more calm. Just like human beings, these other animals have personalities; they have likes; they have dislikes; they have memories. They have come to the sanctuary, usually, with painful memories, but we’re trying to create happy memories.”

Their painful past may mean that animals need time to open up and reveal who they are. Many arrive at Farm Sanctuary frightened of humans, because many have been neglected or abused. Some have endured cruel practices considered standard in factory farming, such as the debeaking of chickens and turkeys or the castration of piglets, all performed without pain relief. In their past, humans have meant violence.

At Farm Sanctuary, a safe place for all, these animals come to see people — their caregivers — as a source of food, medical care, affection, and play. In turn, our caregivers come to know these delightful individuals.

Following our presentation, our team answered live questions submitted by engaged viewers. Topics included enrichment for chickens, how new animals are introduced into their herds, and how we can advocate for animals who are still suffering within the animal agriculture system.

Watch the full virtual roundtable to see videos of each resident described above, and if you feel moved to act, please consider symbolically adopting a farm animal or making a general donation to support our rescue, education, and advocacy today! 

Plus, come meet our residents in person to learn more about their stories and get to know them better. We welcome visitors for private and public tours of our New York and California sanctuaries. 

Like you, every animal is unique — and like all living beings, farm animals want to feel safety, joy, companionship, and freedom. At Farm Sanctuary, we have made that a reality for our residents, and each day we are working to bring about a world like that for all farm animals. After all, they too, are individuals with personalities.