February 2, 2025
A Rough Start to Life
Lucky, a five-year-old Saanen goat, has an inspiring story of survival and resilience. Rescued in 2019 alongside his mother, Olivia, Lucky was only a few months old when he found safety at Herbivorous Acres. He and his mother, along with two other goats, Barney and Bunny, were saved from a dairy farm in Wisconsin.
In the dairy industry, male goats are not considered profitable because they do not produce milk, and they are often sold for meat. Fortunately, the farmer agreed to surrender Lucky (and friends), giving him a chance at a better life.
Overcoming Health Challenges
When Lucky arrived at Herbivorous Acres, he was in poor condition. He was the smallest of the two baby goats, underweight, and suffering from lice and parasites. The day after he arrived, Lucky had to be rushed to the vet, where he was diagnosed with coccidia, a parasite that can be dangerous in high amounts. His tiny body, already weakened by stress and malnutrition, struggled to fight off the infection.
With urgent veterinary care and plenty of love, Lucky slowly began to recover. Being close to his mother, Olivia, helped him regain strength and confidence. Today, despite his early struggles, Lucky is thriving.
However, he and his goat family have two incurable diseases, CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis), which require ongoing veterinary care. Because of CAE, Lucky experiences joint pain and is on daily medication for arthritis. Thanks to dedicated caregivers, he is able to live a comfortable and happy life.
A Gentle and Loving Spirit
Lucky may be a bit shy compared to the rest of the goat family, but once he trusts you, he loves gentle scratches between his horns. One of his favorite things to do is rest his head on people as a sign of affection and relaxation. He also enjoys soaking up the sun with his herd, snacking on hay and frozen bananas, and staying close to his beloved mom, Olivia.
Follow Lucky’s Journey
Lucky’s story is a testament to the importance of rescue and sanctuary for farmed animals. He has transformed from a fragile, sickly baby into a strong and affectionate goat, thanks to compassionate people at Herbivorous Acres who gave him a second chance.
To see Lucky in action and watch his adorable head-resting habit, check out Herbivorous Acres on Instagram! His journey is sure to warm your heart and inspire more kindness toward farmed animals everywhere.
What Herbivorous Acres Does for Rescued Animals
Herbivorous Acres, a nonprofit sanctuary, is dedicated to rescuing farmed animals from cruelty and neglect. They offer a permanent, loving home for animals who have endured the hardships of factory farming. Currently, the sanctuary is home to 20 animals, including goats, pigs, ducks, hens, roosters, and even a cow. The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a safe space for these animals to live out their lives with peace and dignity, while also raising awareness about the importance of compassionate treatment for farmed animals.
Herbivorous Acres’ efforts extend beyond just caring for animals. Their goal is to shift how society views farmed animals, encouraging people to see them as sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion. The sanctuary aims to inspire change by leading through example, showing that peace begins on your plate.
Herbivorous Acres operates a little differently from other sanctuaries, focusing on a smaller number of residents to ensure each animal receives the highest level of care. Without a volunteer program in place yet and with one dedicated individual managing both daily animal care and operations, capacity is currently limited — but with hopes to expand in the future!
Other Residents of Herbivorous Acres
Olivia and Lucky aren’t the only animals whose lives have been transformed by Herbivorous Acres. The sanctuary is home to other animals, each with their own story of rescue and renewal. Some of the sanctuary’s other beloved residents include:
Cornelius and Dennis, the roosters
These animals, like Olivia, have found safety and care at Herbivorous Acres, where they can live free from the fear and suffering of factory farming.
Our Partner Farm Sanctuaries
Herbivorous Acres is just one of several farm sanctuaries in the region doing incredible work to protect farmed animals. Other sanctuaries such as Chicken Run Rescue, Farmaste, Soulspace, and Spring Farm are also dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for animals in need. Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) regularly highlights these sanctuaries and their residents, celebrating the lives they’ve saved and the impact they’re making. Every month, CAA features a sanctuary resident in their blog and newsletter, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of these amazing animals.
Check our blog page regularly and sign up for our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss any of the endearing stories of residents of local sanctuaries.
Connect With Compassionate Action for Animals
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) hosts many events throughout the year, including Twin Cities Veg Fest, Vegan Recipe Club, cooking classes, potlucks, outreach events, and so much more! CAA’s work includes outreach events, educational initiatives, and activities that help build community around plant-based living and animal advocacy.
To stay informed about upcoming events and new sanctuary residents, follow CAA on social media or visit their website. Follow Compassionate Action for Animals on TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Online