An Unexpected Baby Bovine Visitor

 

by Leanne 

One Saturday night in July, our California Shelter received an unexpected baby bovine visitor. The two people who discovered the calf in a forest said he was lying on the side of a road, all by himself with no other cattle in sight. Concerned for his well-being, the compassionate duo carefully scooped him up in their arms and, after finding no one around to claim him, drove to Farm Sanctuary to see if we could help.

At the time of his arrival, we were worried that the days-old, all-white Charolais calf, whom we named Elliot, might have health problems related to being separated from his mother at such a young and critical age. We were particularly interested to know whether or not he received the nutrient-rich colostrum, which is a form of milk produced in late pregnancy and after birth, before he and his mother parted ways. Fortunately, blood analysis confirmed not only that he received the vital colostrum, but that he had adequate immunity, healthy protein levels, and no major health issues for which he needed to receive emergency treatment. 

Though we are still getting to know him, Elliot has already proven himself to be an incredibly vivacious and loveable individual. Constantly on the go, he is one of the more active new additions to our shelter family and has developed a correspondingly large appetite to support his high levels of energy!

 

We couldn’t have anticipated his arrival, but we are certainly glad that this baby calf is now safe and sound with us rather than trying to survive on his own without a herd. Welcome to Farm Sanctuary Elliot!

Comments

[Lori]

I am so glad this adorable baby was found and saved. How in the world did he ever end up all by himself? it;s all for the best. Now he will be a friend for life, instead of beef on a plate. Yay!

[Hannah]

Thank you Laura for your compassion, and thank you Farm Sanctuary for all that you do.

[Laura Calbert]

Just went and visited Elliot today. I'm one of the people that rescued him in July. I'm SO happy to see how well-taken care of and happy he is at the farm. It couldn't have worked out better. I really love the little guy - it's hard not to bond with a newborn sucking on your fingers while on your lap for two hours (the time it took to get to the farm from where we found him). Thanks farm sanctuary for doing what you do and letting me visit and see this great little guy grow up with the happiness he deserves!

[Lisa]

He's so cute! Glad he's in a happy home.

[Susan Taunton]

Wonderful!

[beth wheeler]

Your stories of rescues are wonderful! I blogged the new V-logs today :)

[jana]

he is gorgeous! yay for elliot and his wonderful rescuers!! i hate to think about how he wound up alone in the woods.

[Beryl Gilbert]

I hope to meet Elliot Saturday at the Twilight Tour... Maybe it will be past his bed time...