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.

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! ⁣

On Saturday, November 13, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara visited the rescued turkeys at the Acton, California location of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s founding farm animal sanctuary and advocacy organization.

Shani and his guardian both needed a safe place to land. However, when the pair reached a houseless shelter, staff had to turn the tiny chick away. They couldn’t accommodate his needs — but when we learned about Shani, we knew we could help!