Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Born on a small beef farm, Owen’s mother likely had a disease or deficiency that led to his eyes improperly developing. Blind at birth, the young calf was seen as a waste of time and money, but rather than shoot him as many would, they contacted Kindred Spirits to take him. This unexpected bout of compassion extended to them allowing Owen to stay with his mother for a month before coming to sanctuary, but sadly did not include them surrendering her. At Kindred Owen has bonded with his small herd, including subsequent generations of calves. He can often be seen gentling and lovingly licking herdmates.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

As one of the elder cows who call Kindred Spirits home, Agatha is like the bovine grand dame of her herd. Reserved and serene, Agatha may not be the biggest fan of humans, but then she has her reasons: she, her daughter Shelby, and two others were rescued by Kindred Spirits from the brink of starvation. At sanctuary Agatha is allowed to remain aloof if she so chooses, but occasionally her curiosity is piqued and she will engage with humans. However most often she can be found in the company of Brownie steer, contentedly enjoying the happenings of the day.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Felicia was rescued during the massive flooding event that rocked Iowa in 2008; that summer thousands of pigs trapped in factory farms perished, but about 70 survived and were able to be saved by a coalition of animal rescue organizations who found them over 20 miles of levees, dehydrated, starving, and burned from the sun. After the rescue and once stable, Felicia made her way to Kindred Spirits with fellow survivors Calypso and Gomer. Of the trio Felicia was most reserved, but after the others died several years later, Felicia opened up and has blossomed into quite the social butterfly, becoming one of the primary porcine greeters engaging with visitors.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Luna was found abandoned on the side of a road, but it is not known why she was discarded. Perhaps she was one of the many thousands of farmed animals each year who fall or are thrown from transport trucks in accidents. As a Holstein cow, she normally would have spent about five years being forcibly impregnated, her babies taken, with her milk flowing into the overproducing dairy industry, before being killed for hamburger. However in coming to Kindred, Luna joined a herd with two older calves with whom she now gets to romp and play. Inquisitive and loving, Luna is also gentle. Rescued from a life of likely exploitation, she will now get to grow up surrounded by happy cattle friends, living into her elder years as a cherished sanctuary resident.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Felicia and Gomer were rescued together during the massive flooding event that rocked Iowa in 2008; that summer thousands of pigs trapped in factory farms perished, but about 70 survived and were able to be saved by a coalition of animal rescue organizations. Stabilized after surviving the floods, dehydration, starvation, burns from the sun while rescuers struggled to find survivors over 20 miles of levees, Felicia and Gomer made their way to Kindred Spirits, bonding amidst tragedy, and able to spend the rest of their lives together. Their individuality allowed to flourish, Gomer spent his days loving on everyone, while Felicia is a bit more reserved with her affections.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Attacked by dogs and found severely injured and clinging to life, Violet became one of the very first pigs Kindred Spirits rescued back in 2003. As a feral pig, Violet was considered by most to be an invasive and destructive part of the Florida ecosystem. However at Kindred she was acknowledged as an individual. During her life, Violet was the matriarch of the sounder, typically a calm and sweet leader. Safely at sanctuary Violet lived quite a long and full life, surrounded by loving pig and human friends.

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, Ocala, Florida

Born on a small beef farm, Owen’s mother likely had a disease or deficiency that led to his eyes improperly developing. Blind at birth, the young calf was seen as a waste of time and money, but rather than shoot him as many would, they contacted Kindred Spirits to take him. This unexpected bout of compassion extended to them allowing Owen to stay with his mother for a month before coming to sanctuary, but sadly did not include them surrendering her. At Kindred Owen has bonded with his small herd, including subsequent generations of calves. He can often be seen gentling and lovingly licking herdmates.