Paco as a calf, arriving at his new home and checking out all his new fun stuff.
Escape artist brought home- fencing repaired again.
My mom Annie is funny and she is a vet, which is a win/win for me.
a young Paco in the snow- likely plotting a way to get out of his fence.
Paco in the tall grasses.
Hello new friend and farm guest. I shall follow you!
Paco Just Wants to have Fun: The Story of a Premature Calf Given a Second Chance and Now Living the Farm Sanctuary Life
Paco’s life started out like that of any tiny bull calf born on a dairy (this one having 2,100 cows in production). Unlike most calves, however, Paco was born five weeks premature and weighing only 39 pounds
— which is nuts, since Holstein calves who are carried to term (nine months) weigh around 90 pounds at birth, and often even more.
What is this “spoiled dogs” sign? It should say “Spoiled calf lives here.”
So what happened to Paco? He could have died, but instead, someone saw this tiny little calf and thought that he had a strong will to live. Some calves that come this early are just too small and do not have the strength to fight. But Paco did and thankfully he was noticed.
Paco and gal pal Heidi.
And who was it who noticed him? His human pal Schuyler, who saw in this tiny calf the soul of a fighter and decided to bring him home. And what a home that was! First of all, new dad Schuyler rescued him, and his new mom happened to be a large-animal vet.
Paco and his dad.
Other animal pals living at his new home included a menagerie of dogs, guinea pigs, horses,
a potbellied pig, and another cow. Paco fit right in and became the goofy and completely uninhibited steer that he is today.
He had many adventures, including spending Christmas in the dining room
— helping to wrap gifts, from the looks of it (see photo below). And Paco loved to go on adventures, which meant dad Schuyler often had to go and get his wayward boy and bring him back home.
Expert gift wrapper- Paco loving the holiday season.
When Paco moved to our New York Shelter, just a few months ago, he immediately spiced things up in the special-needs herd as well. He was a bit annoying to the elderly ladies of the herd and challenged some of the larger males. He has made friends with everyone now, but he had the tendency to be pushy to get what he wanted.
Paco made some waves when he first joined the special-needs herd, but now he’s getting along well with his herdmates (as Diane demonstrates).
And he is definitely no stranger to people, and most photos are like the one below — up way too close.
He is mellowing, but is still a big fun-loving puppy dog of a steer at heart. He loves playing with the new baby, Pecan, and they head-butt and push each other daily. Paco is very gentle so as not to hurt his tiny friend. He also seems to spend a great deal of time babysitting Pecan, who seems to really look up to this sweet, giant boy.
Paco teaching Pecan a few butting skills.
Paco and Pecan hanging out in the pasture together.
The babysitter. You have to keep a watchful eye on the kids, and Paco is just the guy to do it!
Though famous for his escape-artist skills, Paco has yet to attempt a breakout at his new home — but he does chase cars or tractors that come into his area (especially if his favorite vet mother is behind the wheel). He also follows humans on tours or just visiting his pasture, and ensures that he is seen — just like he did as a baby. We are so happy that this amazing boy was not overlooked, and that we have the privilege of getting to know him.
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