It was a Saturday in New York City and two separate but urgent situations were each unfolding: In one part of the city, rescuers were caring for chickens freed from a common religious ritual sacrifice. Farm Sanctuary, in collaboration with local activists, had already planned to take in a few birds rescued from this first case. That same day, though, other people discovered birds who’d fallen from a truck bound for a Brooklyn slaughterhouse. By the end of the day, we’d be arranging to help 41 chickens in need.

From “Charlotte’s Web” to “Babe,” pigs have a way of capturing our hearts. These stories, along with the ones about our friends at Farm Sanctuary, champion pigs as individuals—not meat. Some are spunky, some are mischevous, others shy, but all are sentient and emotive beings who deserve lives free from harm. On National Pig Day, held annually on March 1st, we celebrate our porcine pals and pay homage to the millions of pigs still slaughtered for meat in the United States each year. Each is “some pig” in his or her own way: It’s simply up to us to pay attention.

Missy pig, born on Halloween, had a grim and haunting start to life. She spent her days alone in a solitary pen—a nightmare for pigs, who are social beings and grow distressed without friends, enough space, and stimulation. People didn’t pay much attention to her, either. Now we know that Missy is a friendly and affectionate pig who enjoys attention (and deep belly rubs); however, the farmers who owned her didn’t see her as a friend but as a means of production.

Last October, we rescued Sadie and Autumn from a neglect situation in New York’s Mid-Hudson region. More than three dozen sheep and goats were left without food, proper shelter, and care on a rented property that their owner seldom checked. Sadie and Autumn were pregnant at the time of their rescue—and in January, they each gave birth to twin boys at Farm Sanctuary.

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.

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.