Hilda was just six months old when she was left in a pile of dead cows, pigs, and sheep behind a stockyard. As our co-founder, Gene Baur, was documenting inhumane stockyard conditions, and as he approached the deadpile, Hilda lifted her head as if to ask for help. She recovered from her ordeal and went on to live 11 years, inspiring countless compassionate choices and prompting laws protecting “downed” farm animals (those too sick or weak to stand) from abuse.

Hilda’s story led to the first-ever cruelty conviction against a U.S. stockyard, and today her legacy lives on in all that we do at Farm Sanctuary through rescue, education, and advocacy.

Right now is a special time to become part of that legacy. Hilda’s 40th rescue anniversary is August 3, and by joining our Friends of Hilda Club, you will help us continue to build a kinder world in her name.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of both Farm Sanctuary and Hilda’s rescue, please help us welcome 40 new members to the Friends of Hilda Club!

Everyone who joins the Friends of Hilda Club by August 9 will receive a limited-edition Hilda charm bracelet!*

This beautiful bracelet features Hilda, a replica of her ear tag, and the Farm Sanctuary logo. This commemorative charm bracelet symbolizes how our first rescue went from being known as a number on a tag to being someone who was loved.

Friends of Hilda Club supporters play a leadership role in powering our lifesaving work for animals, people, and the planet by making a tax-deductible annual donation of $1,000 or more. 

Hilda, who lived her golden years in peace and safety, is remembered with love at our New York sanctuary, where we have laid a stone from the now-closed Lancaster Stockyards. Here, her story inspires all who visit, and her memory is honored each time we bring another rescued farm animal to their loving new home at Farm Sanctuary.

Thanks to the leading support of our Friends of Hilda Club members, her impact is felt far beyond our sanctuary grounds, as we continue our far-reaching mission, with your help. 

Your generous Friends of Hilda Club gift of $1,000 or more will:

• Help our rescue teams answer the call when farm animals across the country need help.
• Provide lifelong care to our hundreds of residents saved from abuse and neglect.
• Advance policy change for a more just and sustainable food system.
• Support our humane education programs to shed light on the harms of factory farming.
  
• And keep Hilda’s legacy alive.

Forty years ago, Farm Sanctuary began with one rescue and the dream of a kinder world for all farm animals. What Hilda inspired, you can help make a reality.

Thank you in advance for your support. We would be honored to welcome you to our Friends of Hilda Club today.

*Please allow 3-4 weeks for your bracelet to be shipped.