The Beauty of the Sanctuary | Animal place

In a world where confinement and suffering are the norm for domesticated animals, sanctuaries like Animal Place exist as a unique oasis. A sanctuary gives you a glimpse into an ideal world. It is a vision of what the lives of animals would be like if we provided them with compassion, empathy, and mercy. The animal inhabitants who call sanctuaries home are not only survivors, but glimmers of hope. These lucky people have stories that challenge the way they treat their fellow human beings.

Calves Elliot and Edgar were born last spring to Honey and Babe, two pregnant cows we rescued. They are some of the few individuals fortunate enough to be born into life on the reserve.

Two children in the grass and sun, as carefree as possible.

For the majority of farmed animals, the miracle of birth is marred by a looming, pre-planned day of death. From the moment these animals entered the world, the clocks have ticked. But Elliot and Edgar have no limits on their lives ahead of them. Their lives will take place on of them condition. Every care decision made by those who love them is made in of them the best interests, not what benefits or benefits us humans.

The world is not a kind place for many calves.

Bulls born in dairy industry are often sold at auctions, sold to calves, or killed shortly after birth. Calves bred for their meat are subjected to a number of painful mutilations. Exfoliation, castration, and branding all happen without pain relief, at a very young age. Things used in rodeo events are filmed at breakneck speed in front of noisy and intimidating audiences.

The stark reality of dairy calves: a “childhood” of dense captivity.

All these devastating outcomes to a young calf’s life are due to the “purpose” of a calf being born to serve humans. Animals don’t have a say or a choice in these predefined “jobs”. Too often, this is the fate of animals. They are born to exist with no autonomy or choice about what happens to them.

On the other hand, Elliot and Edgar will always have options. Surname select whether they want to interact with the animal care staff, or simply want to be left alone. When the time comes for the family to finally integrate with the other cows, they will select their friends. The sole purpose these calves will have to fulfill is Honey and Babe’s son. We ask for nothing more, and nothing less.

Unlike many animals that pass through Animal Place, Edgar and Elliot’s life is clean slate. They do not carry uncertainty or fear from their past. When they explore the world, they are discovering it for the first time. Instead of working through past trauma like so many rescued animals have to do, these two animals can simply learn to are cows from the beginning.

They would never know cruelty, neglect or abuse. The biggest inconvenience they can face is that breakfast arrives ten minutes late.

The innocent lives of animals at sanctuaries are far from the reality of how domestic animals are treated globally. But it’s up to us to create a reality there all animals are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve. Until the lives of all farmed animals begin and end with the tenderness and love that Edgar and Elliot will, we will continue the fight.

Edgar and Elliot are growing up every day – here they are with their new winter coats!

Written by Chelsea Pinkham