We rescue many of our residents from heartbreaking situations of cruelty or neglect. When our transport teams bring them from suffering to sanctuary, they often experience kindness for the first time. Once they arrive at Farm Sanctuary, our caregivers provide the gentle health checks, treatment, and attention they have likely been denied since birth.

Our caregivers know our residents as individuals. They know their likes and dislikes, who their best friends are, their favorite snacks, and whether they like to cuddle or play. Together, the humans and animals of Farm Sanctuary form bonds and come to understand each other, like caregiver Courtney Viveiros and the late Albert donkey, who sadly passed away this year but spent his sanctuary days loved for who he was.

“I love the mini donkeys so much. They have so much personality,” says caregiver Courtney Viveiros. “Albert was a solo traveler but would enjoy getting pets. I was lucky to have shown him some love while he was here; he was just a very sweet, quiet guy.”

Ensuring our residents are healthy is essential for their well-being and that of those around them. The dedicated members of our team ensure that our rescued animals receive the individualized care and preventative treatments they need. Below is Jackie cow, happily eating a snack as she quickly receives a vaccination and goes about the rest of her day.

Sometimes, our rescued residents need extra care to recover from the impacts of the conditions they faced in animal agriculture or general conditions they may face as they age. Our caregivers are by their side through it all, welcoming them back to our sanctuaries with open arms following veterinary treatment and often being there for them in their final moments, too.

“Thurston always had a loud and proud personality. When he became seriously ill very quickly, we all worried we wouldn’t have any time left with him. This was when Thurston showed us his internal strength through determination and joy for life,” says caregiver Leah Belman. “During his brief recovery, he opened up to me in ways that I had never seen before, showing the sweet, quiet side of himself. Even though Thurston and I eventually had to say goodbye, having the opportunity to be a part of his health journey is an unmatched gift. Today, thinking of Thurston, I think of what he taught me about kindness, care, and loving life. I thank him for the time we shared; may he rest peacefully.”

On a recent visit to our Watkins Glen site, Farm Sanctuary CEO Ellen O’Connell joined caregivers on a typical day of tending to our residents. She was moved by the dedication of our team and wrote this about her experience with inspiring caregiver Christie Standish: “I have rarely met someone with so much inner strength and outward kindness. Who radiates compassion, empathy, and joy. She exemplifies what I love about Farm Sanctuary.”

As our Sanctuary Animal Welfare Coordinator Kayla Perry has written, sanctuary is not just about providing animals with a better life than they had before (after all, many of our residents were saved from abuse and neglect) but the best and most natural life each species and individual can live. Our caregivers work together to give residents the nutritious food, enrichment, and environment they need to thrive.