When Badilla spotted the escape artist loose at a construction site a block away from the slaughterhouse, she called Joshua Katcher, editor of The Discerning Brute and a friend of Farm Sanctuary. Equipped with a dog carrier, Katcher and producer/director/writer Melissa Fornabaio soon arrived at the site to find Badilla and a colleague trying to corner the bird.
Understandably skittish, the little hen evaded her would-be rescuers, hiding in the maze of construction materials. The group, fearing for her well-being in the hazardous area and determined to get her to safety, persisted. As the pursuit unfolded, Katcher called Farm Sanctuary for advice. National Shelter Director Susie Coston provided guidance and, just over an hour after the pursuit began, the group ushered the hen into the towel-lined carrier.
While we were ready to welcome the hen, whom Badilla named Marjorie, to our New York Sanctuary, we needed to find her shelter for the night. Luckily, animal advocate Ashley Lou Smith was able to offer Marjorie a place in her home. When the rescue party arrived, Smith scooped Marjorie into her arms. With this gentle gesture, the exhausted hen relaxed and nestled her head on Smith’s shoulder.
Upon examining Marjorie, we found she was heavily infested with internal parasites and began treatment. This week she was finally able to join one of our flocks after receiving a clean bill of health. Curious and gentle, and quickly warming to her caregivers, Marjorie is clearly pleased to be here. We are equally happy to have her and grateful to all the friends who helped her along the way. After narrowly escaping a brutal death behind slaughterhouse walls, this tenacious chicken has discovered an abundance of kindness on the other side.
