Counting down: 35 Moments from 35 Years

From one rescue to a movement

Join us!—Saturday, October 9—for The Power of Sanctuary: Celebrating 35 Years. This free, virtual event is for believers in the possibility of a just and compassionate food system and the need for systemic change. Register now!

In the meantime, we’re counting down to the event with 35 facts about Farm Sanctuary. This week, we share the science (and the evidence) behind cows’ emotions, explore the meaning of Sanctuary, and remember Hilda (the rescued sheep who started a movement).

1. It started with Hilda—it continues with you. We rescued our first animal—a sheep named Hilda—while documenting conditions at a Pennsylvania stockyard. Hilda was “downed” (she couldn’t stand or walk) and abandoned on a pile of dead animals. She made a full recovery in our care and lived for a decade at Farm Sanctuary. She also shaped our mission and lifesaving work!.

2. Hilda’s rescue kicked off the Sanctuary movement. When Farm Sanctuary incorporated in 1986, we were the only registered shelter for farmed animals in the country. Now, there are hundreds!

3. Curly steer survived neglect and found love at Farm Sanctuary. When he died, his herd surrounded Curly to say goodbye—and to guard their beloved friend one last time.

4. The Someone Project is a research collaboration between Farm Sanctuary and the Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy. It confirms what we see every day: Farm animals are thinking, feeling individuals. They are someone, not something.

5. There is a place for everyone at Farm Sanctuary—from long-time vegans to veg-curious animal lovers. We meet people where they are and hold space for connections with rescued farm animals and with one another.

The Power of Sanctuary
Celebrating 35 Years

Saturday, October 9, 2021
4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET

The Sanctuary movement wasn't created by one person or one organization, but by the collective actions of compassionate individuals—by believers like you. You are the Power of Sanctuary.

On October 9, please join us for a virtual celebration—with special guests Board Chair Emily Deschanel, John Lewis, Dominick Thompson, Bob Weir, and others, as we reflect on 35 years of Sanctuary, plus the work involved in creating a more just and compassionate food system.

We’ll be honoring amazing changemakers: Brenda Sanders of Thrive Baltimore, Afro-Vegan Society, Vegan Soulfest, and Greener Kitchen and Maggie Baird of Support + Feed for their commitment to food justice and combating food insecurity. You’ll hear stories of survival, of hard-won victories, and more!

THANK YOU

To those who’ve been with us since the beginning as well as those we’ve just met, we want to thank you. Our work would not be possible without you.

We’re also grateful for our Corporate Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

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