News & Stories

With an energized board of directors, the legacy nonprofit is addressing the human suffering inherent in animal agriculture

Everyone loves Jordan. The jolly, plump Boer goat is always happy to see us. He’s kind, playful, affectionate, and often greets his friends with a hearty head nuzzle. But to be a good friend to Jordan, in return, we had to make the difficult but important decision to relocate him from our Watkins Glen, New York Sanctuary to our other Sanctuary in Acton, California. It’s a move to benefit his health, happiness, and life.

In a huge win for transparency and accountability, the US Department of Agriculture has agreed to publicly disclose on its website records related to the treatment of animals in US slaughter plants to settle a lawsuit filed by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and Farm Sanctuary.

Most people wouldn't opt to celebrate their birthday at a slaughterhouse. But Sophia Deluz, a longtime vegan and seasoned rescuer, has spent years marking holidays and other special occasions by including farm animals in her festivities—not as food, but as a friends. And in early 2020, on her 27th birthday, she inspired an employee at a New York City live market to set free three hens—Helena, Misha, and Priyanka—so that they, too, could live to see another birthday.

Before we look ahead to all that's in store for the New Year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2021.

Vector was born with a severe cross beak (her beak overlaps like scissors, instead of aligning at the tips). This makes it hard for her to eat solid foods; she just can’t get a grip due to the unnatural angle. Through experience treating similar cases, we felt that Vector could thrive.

In the cold winter of 2021, a case of “fowl play” landed four ducklings in jail.

Every year, we welcome new rescues through our doors and celebrate each milestone they reach in our care—events they were never expected to clear in animal agriculture. The animals who survive and make it to Sanctuary get a second chance at life. Here, they touch our hearts and inspire compassionate change in others. We’re grateful for every day, week, month, and year that these survivors have at Sanctuary. But it’s also hard to say goodbye to those we love—especially when they should have had more time. Please join us in honoring the animals who passed away this year.

It's not often that a natural disaster can be viewed as a lifesaver, but for 17 lucky chickens, a deadly tornado that tore through a Georgia factory farm in September 2020 ultimately spared them from cruel treatment, terrible conditions, and eventual slaughter.

Mickey was born unable to stand up or walk. He came to Farm Sanctuary, and with the help of splints and physical therapy, his mobility has been gradually improving! ⁣