Rooney Mara: Celebrating Mother’s Day for the First Time

Henrietta turkey, Jackie cow, and Cynthia goat

Rooney Mara: Celebrating Mother’s Day for the First Time

As a new mom, Mother’s Day has taken on a special meaning this year.

Raising our baby, River, has opened my heart to a whole new life filled with hope and more determination than ever to create a kinder and more sustainable world. I feel so fortunate to be able to nurture my son in all of the ways that nature intended, and I wish all mothers in the animal kingdom could experience that sacred maternal bond with their young, devoid of exploitation by humans.

Farm Sanctuary’s Mother’s Day campaign beautifully honors the lives of extraordinary mothers who––against all odds––survived dire circumstances, healed from their traumas, and now graciously share their affection with others.

A Mother’s Day adoption is a gift that keeps giving and supports the wellness of wonderful Sanctuary moms like Henrietta turkey, Jackie cow, and Cynthia goat. As I celebrate my first Mother’s Day, I hope you will join me in honoring all of the inspiring moms and maternal figures who’ve made a difference in your life.

With love,

Rooney Mara

. . .

A mother’s love creates sanctuary.

Some moms, like Cynthia goat, are there to nurture their kids from the start—and they remain their biggest cheerleaders as they grow. Others, like Jackie cow, have so much love to give that they embrace anyone in need. Then, there are mother figures like Henrietta turkey who encourage and support us just by being there.

These beautiful moms are such great anchors because Farm Sanctuary keeps them safe.

This Mother’s Day, with a one-time donation of $35, you can support their specialized care and our work to keep more families like theirs together!

Jackie & Dixon

Jackie cow and Dixon cow

Jackie delivered her son, John, while on a truck bound for slaughter. Instead of sending them both to their deaths, however, the slaughterhouse owner turned them over to rescuers. He knew the young calf needed his mother—and that Jackie deserved the chance to raise her baby. Tragically, John was very sick and passed away before they arrived at Farm Sanctuary. Jackie mourned deeply. With love from her new herd, though, this grieving mama began to heal. Dixon, an orphaned calf rescued around the same time, was the first little one she welcomed into her heart—and now when other calves need a mother, Jackie’s there for them too.

A mother once is a mother forever.

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Cynthia & Bruce

Cynthia and Bruce goats

Cynthia and her son Bruce were among 170+ survivors rescued from a backyard butcher. In this collaborative rescue with other sanctuaries, we agreed to take the sickest, including Bruce. They would have been separated, but Cynthia clung to his side, making it clear they belonged together. They helped each other heal—now, they’re some of our most outgoing goats! Cynthia greets us with nuzzles and continues to play with and nurture her beloved son.

Getting to watch your babies grow up is one of the greatest joys of motherhood—and Cynthia doesn’t want to miss a moment.

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Cynthia and Bruce goats

Henrietta

Henrietta turkey at Farm Sanctuary

Henrietta, our Acton Sanctuary’s eldest turkey, may seem sassy and brash, strutting around the aviary like she owns the place. But beneath that tough exterior, she’s a motherly figure—and now grandmotherly!—to our smallest chickens. Henrietta was just a month old when she came to Farm Sanctuary and likely never knew her mother or raised her own poults. Despite this, she’s a protective, kindred spirit for these once-orphaned chicks—and it’s easy to see that their bond means as much to her as it does them.

The meat industry changed how these turkeys live and grow, but they’ll never change who they are: flock-oriented, social creatures who thrive with love.

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Farm animal sponsorships make heartfelt gifts for the moms, mother-figures, and other loved ones in your life! In gratitude for your donation, we’ll send you a digital certificate featuring your chosen family. Print it for yourself or pass it along to the people who always have your back.

In animal agriculture, mothers rarely get to mother. But with your support this Mother’s Day, we can nurture a new generation of compassion.