The Heartwarming Stories of Five Animals Who Were Rescued from Slaughter
From a runaway cow to an abused mother pig, here are the stories of five lucky individuals who were given a second chance at life.
For the majority of animals who are farmed, their story has a tragic ending: over 200 million animals are killed for food around the world every day – and that’s just on land. But a lucky few do manage to break free from the animal agriculture industry.
Farm sanctuaries provide a safe home for these animals, where they can heal from their past traumas and live out their lives in peace.
Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued thousands of animals and provided them with care and love at their sanctuaries in New York and California. Here are some of their residents’ stories:
Max
At just three weeks old, Max was found alone on the side of the road. Rescuers believe that he had either fallen from a truck or been abandoned by someone who did not want him.
Scared and confused, the sanctuary gave him a soft bed and cuddly stuffed animals for comfort until he was big enough to join a flock of fellow sheep. Now, Max spends his days playing in the fields and enjoying strokes from people who visit the sanctuary.
Globally, more than 500 million sheep are killed for food every year. Max is one of the lucky few who will never have to experience the inside of a slaughterhouse. Instead, he’ll be safe, cared for, and appreciated for the individual he is.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Bonnie
Bonnie’s story is a powerful example of the lengths animals will go to when fighting for their lives. She was born on a farm in New York where cattle are raised for beef. But, when the owner of the farm passed away, his family decided to sell the herd.
As her terrified friends and family fought hard to avoid being loaded into the trailer, Bonnie managed to escape and run into the nearby woods. At just four months old, she was alone for the first time. But not for long. A herd of deer took her in and together they ate, slept, and ran together - they become her second family. As a domesticated animal, however, Bonnie would not survive in the wild without help for very long.
With the help of a local resident, Becky, who had been trying to build trust with Bonnie, Farm Sanctuary was able to rescue her from the woods and take her to their sanctuary where she’ll never have to flee for her life ever again.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Oprah Wingfree!
Oprah was rescued from a farm in New York, where over eighty animals were being kept in filthy, horrific conditions. With no adequate food, water, or ventilation, many of the animals were suffering from various health problems - Oprah and the other chickens who were rescued had pneumonia. Once treated for her illness and given the kindness she so desperately needed, Oprah began to thrive.
Chickens are affectionate, curious birds who like to play. Mothers talk to their unborn chicks who chirp back, and they can survive for up to eleven years in their natural environment. But in the animal agriculture industry, they’re treated as nothing more than an object. Over 66 million chickens are slaughtered for food every year - most of them will not live past 41 days.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Mia
In New York, a backyard butcher was raising dozens of pigs for meat. Mia and her eight piglets were among them. They were terrified, freezing, malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from severe mange. The sanctuary was able to rescue Mia and her babies and take them to a new home where they are loved, cared for and safe.
One of the most powerful things you can do to help animals raised for meat is to switch to plant-based alternatives. Check out this guide to our favorite plant-based meats to get you started.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Evan
This sweet little guy was recently rescued after being considered a “waste product” of the dairy industry. Because male calves can’t produce milk, they’re deemed “worthless” by the dairy industry. Soon after birth, calves like Evan are taken from their mothers and either shot or sold for veal or cheap beef.
The best way you can fight for little calves like Evan is to switch from dairy products to plant-based alternatives. Check out this guide to plant-based milk to get you started.
Credit: Farm Sanctuary
Species Unite
A collection of stories of those who fight the good fight on behalf of animals.