Cow Who Escaped Brooklyn Slaughterhouse Saved by Sanctuary
Four-month-old calf was filmed dodging traffic and evading catchers on a Brooklyn street before eventually being returned to the slaughterhouse. But public support and an offer from an animal sanctuary have resulted in a second chance for the animal.
Credit: Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
A young calf who escaped a Brooklyn slaughterhouse has been given a forever home at a nearby animal sanctuary.
The four-month-old calf was filmed dodging traffic and evading catchers when he managed to escape from a truck that was destined for the Saba Live Poultry slaughterhouse in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
After several minutes of running for his life on the streets of Brooklyn, the calf was eventually caught and returned to the owner of the slaughterhouse.
Footage of the calf’s initial escape quickly caught attention across social media and news platforms, with strong public support calling for the animal to be spared from slaughter.
Mike Stura, the owner of Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, stepped in to offer to save the calf. A three-hour phone call ensued between Stura and the manager of Saba Live Poultry, before an agreement was made to give the calf his freedom.
Named Stewie, the calf was transported safely to Stura’s sanctuary, located in Wantage, New Jersey. The sanctuary is home to over 400 rescued farm animals who live on 232 acres of pastures.
Stewie safe in a holding pen at the sanctuary. Credit: Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
Stewie will now wait for a health check before entering the general population of the pasture.
Talking to the Guardian, Stura predicts Stewie will love his new home. “My guess is that he will be ecstatic to meet them, and I know that whatever group he goes in with will jump around like maniacs,” he said. “They love to welcome new animals. Cows are extremely inquisitive.”
Rescued cows enjoying life on the sanctuary. Credit: Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
And the calf will live the rest of his life, safe from slaughter, in his new forever home. “Hopefully, he’ll live 20-some-odd more years, and pass away at old age,” Stura added. “You should see these animals when they flourish. You would never believe they were the same ones who ran away in the first place.”
To follow Stewie’s progress in his new home, check out Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. Need more feel-good rescues? Read the heartwarming stories of five animals who were rescued from slaughter by Farm Sanctuary.
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