October 3, 2024
Olivia, an 8-year-old Saanen goat, has found her forever home at Herbivorous Acres, a sanctuary devoted to giving farmed animals a second chance. She’s now known as the “mother” of the sanctuary, loved by all who meet her.
Olivia’s journey to this peaceful place began in 2019 when she and her son, Lucky, were rescued from a Wisconsin dairy farm. In a rare and heartwarming outcome, both goats were surrendered together by the farmer, allowing them to stay side by side — something that doesn’t often happen in factory farming.
A Rare Bond: Olivia and Lucky’s Journey Together
In the world of industrial farming, baby animals are often separated from their mothers shortly after birth, treated as commodities rather than sentient beings. Olivia and Lucky’s story is a touching exception. Their bond has remained unbroken since their rescue, and now, they get to spend every day together in the serene environment of Herbivorous Acres. They’re often seen side by side, soaking up the sunshine or grazing in the fields, enjoying the simple pleasures of their new life.
Olivia’s Health Struggles and Triumphs
When Olivia arrived at the sanctuary, she was in very poor health. Severely malnourished and suffering from two incurable diseases: CAE (Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis), she faced challenges. These diseases, common in goats, are often a death sentence on factory farms, as infected animals are typically euthanized to prevent spreading to the rest of the herd. But at Herbivorous Acres, Olivia was given the care and attention she needed to survive and eventually thrive.
