Your symbolic adoption comes with a digital certificate or a digital and print certificate featuring your new farm animal friend. In addition to your certificate(s), you'll receive email updates about your adoptee and become an official Farm Sanctuary member, complete with a subscription to our member magazine, Sanctuary.
NAME: Frank
RESCUE DATE: April 1, 2016
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
On April Fools’ Day 2016, Frank escaped a truck readying to unload him at a Queens, New York slaughterhouse. City goers found him grazing at a nearby college field, initially believing he was placed there as a prank. But Frank's circumstances were no laughing matter: He was afraid and raced through the streets to avoid recapture and the sights, smells, and sounds of slaughter.
By the time authorities got ahold of Frank, his story had made national news — and his many fans, moved by Frank's will to live, pleaded that he be spared from death. Frank was released into our care, and we brought him home to our Watkins Glen, New York shelter.
While skittish and aloof at first, Frank has blossomed into a playful and respected leader of his herd. He loves romping through the fields with his friends and occasionally likes being brushed by humans. All interactions with Frank are on his terms — and here, he's free to a life of his choosing.
NAME: Stephen
RESCUE DATE: July 15, 2014
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Stephen and his brother King’s story could have come straight out of a horror novel by their namesake.
Transported through the mail when they were just days old, Stephen and his friends were cast aside as objects rather than living, feeling individuals. Unfortunately, even “backyard” birds raised in hobby flocks come from the same hatcheries as conventionally raised chickens, and endure the same rough handling and neglect. Additionally, most backyard hobbyists are only able to house hens due to zoning laws, so the males are often destroyed when their new owners cannot keep them. At some point, Stephen’s owner realized he could not keep him, so he left Stephen, King, and four of their friends inside a cardboard box at our Acton, California sanctuary.
These days, Stephen continues to delight visitors with his “rockstar” hairdo and loves to spend time with his Cornish hen friends. He is no longer valued solely for his appearance but beloved as the magnificent individual that he is finally free to be.
NAME: Adriano
RESCUE DATE: April 24, 2012
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Adriano was just a lamb when he and his family were found starving in a squalid barn. We rescued more than 60 desperately neglected animals from the property, whose owner had run a business breeding farm animals he bought cheaply at livestock auctions. He would then butcher their young in a makeshift slaughterhouse.
From the start of Adriano’s new life at sanctuary, he was fiercely protective of his mother and his twin sister, Isabella. Once, when a staff member briefly separated him from his family during a barn cleaning, the little 30-pound sheep responded with a head butt! These days, Adriano is quite a bit larger and much more trusting (and a big fan of head scratches!), but this proud, confident sheep remains a devoted protector of his mother and sister.
NAME: Thatcher
RESCUE DATE: April 28, 2013
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Thatcher joined us thanks to a little boy with a big heart.
Walking home one day, nine-year-old Manuel saw some adults dumping a bag of goslings into a yard for a dog to eat. The dog was quickly devouring the tiny birds, but one was close enough to the fence for Manuel to reach. He pulled the gosling to safety, carried the bird home, and spent the next several days diligently caring for his new friend while an adult acquaintance looked for a permanent refuge. When she contacted us, we gladly agreed to welcome Thatcher to our Acton, California sanctuary, where the friendly goose has made a splash, bonding with caregivers and discovering the joy of swimming.
Thatcher now resides at our New York sanctuary, where he loves swimming in the big pond with his buddies by his side. The kindness of one child gave Thatcher the sort of safe, rich life that most farm animals never experience. Now, Thatcher has the power to change lives too, inspiring visitors and readers to let the strength of their own kindness shine through.
NAME: Von D
RESCUE DATE: February 18, 2017
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Von D was born at an illegal backyard butcher operation where she would have been slaughtered for meat by the time she was just 6 months old. Thankfully, one day, the farmer’s nephew and his wife visited — and after meeting little Von D, the woman could not bear to let her be killed, so the farmer relinquished Von D to their care.
At first, the couple raised her in their home, doing their best to care for her but lacking the skills, facilities, and resources to properly care for this growing girl. Adding to their difficulties, neighbors in their suburban area had complained to animal control about the situation, and Von D’s rescuers were told that they needed to find a new home for their piglet friend. Fortunately, Farm Sanctuary was notified, and the rest is history!
These days, Von D is getting the star treatment at our Acton, California sanctuary, where she enjoys wallowing in mud puddles and soaking up the sun. For Von D, Farm Sanctuary life is fabulous and her journey is inspiring compassionate change for others just like her.
NAME: Anna
RESCUE DATE: May 2, 2014
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Arriving at work early one spring morning in 2014, staff members at our New York sanctuary were greeted by the sight of 24 baby turkeys. Left anonymously in the night, Anna and her friends were dirty, sick, and in desperate need of care. The shorn beaks of these young “poults” told us that they came from a factory farm. Like so many others we’ve welcomed, these young birds had suffered “debeaking,” a procedure in which the sensitive, nerve-filled tip of the beak is amputated with a hot blade or infrared. Disease and injuries are rampant at factory farms, and individualized care is unheard of. Such conditions could easily have spelled a very early death for Anna and the others.
Here, these babies received the around-the-clock care they needed to pull through, and their transformation was astounding. Anna and her friends grew into an unstoppable flock of sanctuary superstars, chasing down the spotlight and leaving a trail of delighted human friends in their wake. Anna loves life and crams as much of it as possible into each day.
NAME: Jennifer
RESCUE DATE: October 10, 2015
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Jennifer and her brother Roger were among dozens of animals we rescued from appalling neglect at a backyard butcher operation in New York’s Hudson Valley, in cooperation with three other sanctuaries. Farm Sanctuary took in the sickest and weakest animals, including these extremely anemic, parasite-ridden young goats. We didn’t realize it, but their mother, Olive, was also on the property and was to be taken to another sanctuary. But this tough mama had no intention of being separated from her kids. She started slamming the other goats in her trailer and calmed down only when she was removed, loaded into our trailer, and rejoined with Jennifer and Roger.
Mom and kids were overjoyed to be reunited and safe at our New York sanctuary. The entire family, including a third sibling born here, are goofballs who love to run and play. Like her mother and brother, Jennifer has the unusual habit of leaping into the hay feeder and standing smack-dab in the center when she eats. Here she will always be able to satisfy her appetite for life.
NAME: George
RESCUE DATE: November 4, 2019
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
George was the smallest of a litter born at a New York petting zoo. At four months old, he only weighed seven pounds — around the size of a two-week-old piglet. He couldn’t compete with his siblings for food and became so sick he could barely lift his head. However, instead of getting George the care he needed, the petting zoo owner simply left him to die.
A concerned visitor helped rescue George and arranged his placement with Farm Sanctuary. We worked with his veterinary team to treat his illnesses and help him put on weight. George was dull and lethargic at first but began perking up as he recovered — ultimately running zoomies around us!
Today, George is a healthy, curious, and playful pig who loves belly rubs and cuddling with his friends.
NAME: Safran
RESCUE DATE: August 27, 2013
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Safran was born into the dairy industry and was slated to be sent to a calf ranch the day after he was born. In California’s dairy-producing regions, female calves are raised to replace their mothers in production, and the males are transported to calf ranches, where they are raised to be slaughtered for cheap beef or veal.
Fortunately, he was rescued from that miserable fate, and we gladly welcomed him to our Acton, California sanctuary. Shortly after, Safran developed severe health issues and required tube feedings and around-the-clock monitoring. This sweet calf bonded closely with sanctuary staff, and he began to thrive with their support.
Now, playful and energetic Safran is a visitor favorite. Safran loves his life here, where he spends his days enjoying a good romp with caregivers and showing off his charming personality to guests.
NAME: Ash
RESCUE DATE: December 9, 2016
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Ash sheep wins the hearts of all he meets with his sunny personality and signature warm nuzzle. Sadly, however, he did not always receive the love and care that he deserved. As a lamb, Ash lived at the property of a farmer who had acquired his flock under the pretense of rescuing them; unfortunately, though, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. Instead, the sheep lacked adequate food, water, and shelter and were fighting to survive in subzero temperatures.
Ash clung to his mom, Connie, for support — at both his former home and during his early days at Farm Sanctuary. Having never experienced kindness at human hands, Ash was understandably afraid of us when he first arrived. But his fear didn’t last for very long, and he soon realized that he was safe and loved.
These days, this sweet, friendly boy is one of the first in the flock to greet visitors and gets so excited to see his friends that he will even try to climb into their laps!
NAME: Willie
RESCUE DATE: May 9, 2015
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Willie, along with his best friend Reba, was rescued from a hoarding situation. Due to the lack of strong legal protections for farm animals, it is all too easy for hoarders to get their hands on animals like Willie — and all too difficult to confiscate these animals and prevent perpetrators from buying more.
Luckily, we succeeded in gaining custody of Willie and Reba. A concerned friend legally removed them from this dangerous situation and brought them to safety at our New York sanctuary.
The two are very bonded and protective of each other, and even after meeting the other birds in our waterfowl flock, they still spend lots of time alone together. They especially love paddling together in the pond. Life started off rough for these lovebirds, but now it’s going just swimmingly.
NAME: Junip Sydney
RESCUE DATE: February 15, 2017
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Junip Sydney was born at a petting zoo — a place that many people associate with delightful interactions with baby animals. The unfortunate reality, though, is that within mere weeks or months, the babies are often separated from their families and either slaughtered for food or bred to produce more babies to repeat the cycle.
The smallest of her litter, Junip Sydney was failing to thrive and instead of investing in her care, this petting zoo asked members of the community to foster Junip Sydney. Thankfully, Junip Sydney’s foster moms fell in love with this incredible individual, and reached out to Farm Sanctuary to ask if we could give her a chance at the life they knew she deserved.
Most farm animals are valued for what humans believe they can give us — food, clothing, or the enjoyment of a momentary meeting at a petting zoo, for example — but for the rest of her life, this sweet pig will be valued for the unique and wonderful individual she is.
NAME: Serena
RESCUE DATE: January 11, 2016
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Serena came to live at our Acton, California sanctuary with her “sister” Venus after a local turkey rescuer saved them from becoming a holiday meal.
Serena is a heritage bird, unlike the majority of turkeys raised for food in the United States. Whether turkeys are raised on factory farms or smaller establishments, they are subjected to similar acts of cruelty. Serena was debeaked and detoed: painful procedures in which the tips of the beak and toes are removed without anesthetic. These practices are carried out to prevent fighting among these overcrowded and overstressed birds, yet these behaviors do not occur when turkeys are allowed to live as nature intended.
Despite the cruelty she once faced at human hands, Serena is a friendly girl who loves meeting people and being petted. Serena and Venus remained close over the years. When Venus passed in late 2021, we worried how Serena would respond to her loss. Our caregiving team says she’s been resilient and still enjoys her regular routine. We often see her snuggling with her good friend Thelma.
NAME: Josie-Mae
RESCUE DATE: June 3, 2016
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Josie-Mae is a little “kid” with a lot of heart — this plucky girl was born on a goat dairy, which planned to sell her mother’s milk for human consumption. Josie-Mae might have been sent to slaughter for goat meat, or raised to breed more goats just like her mother, Willow. However, one day, Josie-Mae suffered a trauma that sadly cut off the circulation to both of her front feet. Unfortunately, her wounds were not attended to in time, and a portion of her right leg was lost. She also had some bone and tissue changes to her front left foot. Josie-Mae’s owner could not afford the treatment she required, but agreed to relinquish custody of this sweet girl and her mother.
When they arrived at our New York sanctuary, Josie-Mae began extensive treatment and therapy to help her walk. This happy girl has healed nicely, and now wears a prosthetic to help her get around. Here, Josie-Mae will always be regarded as someone, not something — and with her mom and new friends by her side, she is unstoppable!
NAME: MJ
RESCUE DATE: June 24, 2014
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
MJ and her friends joined the Farm Sanctuary family thanks to the generosity of one supporter, who bequeathed her 86-acre property to Farm Sanctuary with one request: that we take care of its surviving residents, a small group of farm animals that included MJ and four other donkeys.
Though herd mate Gee, the largest male, likes to pretend that he is the herd leader, it’s clear that MJ is really in charge. This sweet, charismatic donkey is a good friend to her donkey family and her human pals alike. Though she’s getting on in years, she still has a zestful love of life, and we love to see her enjoying her favorite things, which include grazing, rolling in the dirt, and being lavished with attention.
NAME: Xena
RESCUE DATE: July 10, 2020
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
“Depopulation” is an industry term euphemizing the mass slaughter of farmed animals. Typically, factory farms kill chickens like Xena when their egg production declines — usually within two years. During slaughterhouse closures, which were enforced to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the industry ordered farmers to get rid of animals they couldn’t sell.
Xena’s owner didn’t want the birds to suffer and released more than 600 hens to rescuers. Farm Sanctuary welcomed 14, including Xena, to our Acton, California sanctuary. Factory farms overcrowd hens by the thousands, but now, Xena has room to explore! She spends as much time as she can outdoors, whether eating, dust bathing, or relaxing with the flock. Here, she doesn’t need to lay eggs to have value: her days, and her life, are all her own.
NAME: Rad
RESCUE DATE: March 8, 2021
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Rad is a Pekin duck, a breed commonly raised for meat. Domestic breeds like Pekins are raised by humans and often depend on them to survive. When left in the wild, they may struggle to find food and are vulnerable to predators.
One night while patrolling the grounds, prison staff found the baby birds by a dumpster. The ducklings were frightened and cold. To give Rad and her friends a fighting chance, prison staff brought the ducklings inside, kept them warm, and looked into options for the birds’ long-term care. We welcomed the ducks to Farm Sanctuary, where Rad and her friends grew up together. They joined one of our duck and goose flocks when they were big enough.
Today, Rad is a popular duck who enjoys socializing with friends, making nests, and swimming in the pond. She will always have a safe place to land.
NAME: Diane
RESCUE DATE: March 30, 2013
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Diane escaped death not once but twice before arriving at Sanctuary. Born small and sickly at a dairy farm, she was slated to be killed as a newborn. Someone visiting the farm intervened, however, offering to take her instead. This rescuer found Diane placement at a neighbor's dairy so she could be with other cattle. Unfortunately, this facility forced Diane into milk production. Her tail was docked, and she was consigned to four years as a “stall cow,” never leaving the barn. All the while, she was kept producing milk through an exhausting cycle of impregnation, gestation, birth, and the loss of her calves.
When she stopped producing offspring, and thus stopped producing milk, Diane was once again slated for slaughter. Luckily, her original rescuers found out and contacted us. We offered to welcome Diane to our New York sanctuary. This overtaxed cow arrived miserable and in pain from an untreated health ailment, but with some TLC, she was soon feeling great.
Diane is an amazing being, and we’re so glad she’s part of our family.
NAME: Phoenix
RESCUE DATE: July 25, 2020
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Phoenix survived a massive fire on a cage-free egg farm. Ironically, this catastrophe — which killed more than 300,000 trapped hens — wound up saving her life.
Red Star hens like Phoenix are bred for excessive egg production. Within a year or two, once this production declines, farmers typically send them to slaughter. This occurs even on “humane” farms like the one where Phoenix lived. These chickens were also debeaked — a painful procedure done without anesthetic to prevent birds from fighting due to overcrowded conditions — and had very little space to roam.
It’s a miracle that Phoenix and her new friends escaped from the flames. Now, just like her fiery namesake, Phoenix has risen from the ashes of their horrific past to begin life anew at Farm Sanctuary.
NAME: Regina
RESCUE DATE: November 30, 2016
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Regina was born a triplet, and as the smallest and weakest member of the trio, she was sadly rejected by her mother in an attempt to ensure the stronger lambs’ survival. She was then used as a teaching tool in a school agriculture program, where she was largely left to fend for herself.
Despite her fragile condition, Regina’s tail was banded, and when she sustained a severe break to her right hind leg, it was left untreated for nearly two weeks. The program administrator then recommended euthanasia — but thankfully, a compassionate parent intervened, and Regina instead was able to make her way to Farm Sanctuary. Due to the extent of her injuries, Regina needed to have her leg and tail amputated.
These days, Regina navigates her world with ease with the assistance of a supportive brace on her remaining back leg, and nothing stops her from living her best life possible. This sweet girl inspires us to believe in ourselves and dive headfirst into the beautiful lives that all beings deserve!
NAME: Milo
RESCUE DATE: March 8, 2021
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Milo was one of four ducklings left in a box outside a prison in New York. One night while patrolling the grounds, prison staff found the baby birds by a dumpster. They were frightened and cold — without immediate care, the ducklings might have died.
Milo is a Rouen duck: a domestic breed commonly raised for meat. That left him dependent on people: he lacked the skills to survive in the wild and was vulnerable to predators. The prison staff brought the ducklings inside, did their best to keep them warm, and looked into options for the birds’ long-term care. Farm Sanctuary gave the ducks a safe place to land!
The friends remain close to this day, and Milo spends most of his time with the smaller flock. He loves swimming in the pond — their group is usually the last to come in for the night! Now, he has a family and home and will never have to fear for his life or freedom again.
NAME: Erika
BIRTHDATE: March 12, 2013
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Erika is that rare farm animal who has never known anything but love.
Her mother, Claire, was not always so lucky. In late 2012, Claire and more than a dozen elderly sheep were rescued from egregious neglect at the hands of a backyard butcher. Their first weeks at our Sanctuary were spent recovering from starvation and disease and beginning to overcome their deep fear of humans.
Into this slow and steady rehabilitation, Erika’s birth at our Acton, California sanctuary brought a burst of happiness. The tiny kid was instantly adored by Claire and Claire’s best friend, a sheep named Felicity — not to mention by her caregivers. From the start, Erika has been digging right into the good life that will always be hers.
NAME: Dorado
RESCUE DATE: May 29, 2015
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Dorado and his friend Platero were born at a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) facility to wild donkeys Patsy and Dolly. The two moms had been captured after reports that their herd had become a public safety hazard. In the facility, Dorado and Platero were weaned at about five months old, separated from their mothers, and made available for adoption. Because of their age and temperament, Patsy and Dolly were categorized as “un-adoptable.” We decided to put them in a different category: Farm Sanctuary residents.
Once we learned about Dorado and Platero, we adopted these youngsters and reunited them with their mothers. At our Acton, California sanctuary, Dorado and his family are safe from harassment but also free to remain wild. Though these donkeys don’t care to be lavished with attention like some of our other residents, visitors are inspired when we take them on a “safari” out to the back pasture to see the family living as they wish — this little patch of the West is all theirs.
NAME: Pip
RESCUE DATE: June 3, 2015
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Pip got his “big break” at Buzzfeed when their staff got him — then in egg form — while doing another feature at a duck farm. They took him back to the office, placed him in an incubator, and documented his hatching journey. Without a mama duck around, Pip quickly imprinted on his Buzzfeed “parents” — chirping at staff, snuggling up for attention, and excitedly following them around. But Pip would soon outgrow their space, and he needed more care than they could provide.
Some people send their hatching project “graduates” back into meat production, but staff couldn’t bear the thought of sending Pip to slaughter. He was charming, funny, and affectionate — an individual, not a meal. So, they asked if we could welcome Pip to Farm Sanctuary. He’s been making a splash in our care ever since!
While Pip made friends with other ducks, he still seeks out and enjoys interactions with people. He waddles straight up to us, wags his tail like a dog, and quacks with delight as we scratch his chest and declare how handsome and special he is!
NAME: Reba
RESCUE DATE: May 9, 2015
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Reba was rescued from a hoarding situation along with her best friend, Willie. Due to the lack of strong legal protections for farm animals, it is too easy for hoarders to get their hands on animals like Reba — and all too difficult to confiscate these animals and prevent perpetrators from buying more.
Luckily, we succeeded in gaining custody of Reba and Willie when a concerned friend legally removed them from danger and brought them to safety at our New York sanctuary. The two are very bonded and protective of each other — and even after years of life in the flock, they still spend most of their time together. Reba especially loves paddling through their pond. Life started rough for Reba, but now it’s going just swimmingly.
NAME: Tutu
RESCUE DATE: December 18, 2019
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, New York
Tutu is a Broad Breasted White, the most common turkey breed raised for meat in the United States. She was also detoed and slightly debeaked — standard procedures on factory farms to prevent birds from wounding each other in response to their unnatural confinement. Most turkeys are killed between 14 and 18 weeks; meanwhile, they can live eight years or more. An art student rescued Tutu to spare her from this fate. She housed the young turkey in her studio and planned to feature her in a project about freeing turkeys for the holiday season. School officials wouldn’t let Tutu stay on-site but suggested that the student reach out to New York City’s Wild Bird Fund for assistance. They took Tutu in, provided temporary care, and then asked if we could welcome her to Farm Sanctuary.
Here, Tutu is a social and curious bird who loves exploring with her turkey friends — and interacting with her human ones! Despite a rough start, she’s a vibrant member of her flock who's enjoying this second chance at life.
NAME: Albert
RESCUE DATE: July 11, 2012
LOCATION: Farm Sanctuary, California
Albert donkey has always had a few tricks up his sleeve. Before coming to Farm Sanctuary, this former “escape artist” would frequently flee his guardian’s farm. Unfortunately, Albert’s escapades were seen as more troublesome than humorous: Local authorities soon grew weary of responding to his game, and threatened to shoot the miniature donkey the next time he ventured out.
Thankfully, we learned of Albert’s predicament in time and welcomed him to Farm Sanctuary. Albert had once rebelled against attempts to control him, but at Farm Sanctuary, we instead took the time to understand what he had been trying to share. We quickly learned how funny and charming this donkey really is! Whenever Albert wants our attention, for example, he will comically inch closer and closer to us until we can give him the scratches and pets he seeks. Albert loves to be the center of attention, and with so many loving admirers, he has certainly found his place.