The Six Most Heartwarming Farm Animal Stories of 2024

Olive was one of several cows who ran for freedom in July, escaping from a New York dairy farm. Sadly, the others were all rounded up and sold, leaving Olive alone and scared.

She spent four months in the woods, and local property owners told us she was likely pregnant. When they realized that she may have already given birth, the search grew urgent. Our rescue team was dispatched immediately, ready to help Olive and her calf.

Tragically, Olive’s son was found in pain and unable to stand. We rushed him to Cornell for care, but the veterinary team determined that this suffering calf had severe and untreatable musculoskeletal and joint abnormalities. Because he had no chance of surviving, veterinarians made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him. 

We knew that we still had a chance to help Olive. So, our team monitored this grieving mother cow as she went in and out of our pen, too fearful to stay for long. Once, she was secured inside but broke free. But patience and empathy won out, and Olive decided she was ready for help. 

Now, Olive is safely at Farm Sanctuary, where she’s settling in and can begin to heal from trauma.