Photo by Dakota Gale
Whitaker: From Little Lost Calf to Big and Beloved Sanctuary Resident
As the sun rises over the rolling hills at Farm Sanctuary’s
Northern California Shelter, Whitaker steer wakes from slumber, surrounded by half of his family (the bovine half). He stands up and does a full-body stretch in preparation
for the day to come. Next, he’ll amble over to fellow residents Dawn or Nutmeg, then check to make sure everything looks okay with the rest of the herd. With that taken care of, finally put his
head down to begin another peaceful day at the farm with some grazing.
At this time of year, it’s already light out when the first
caregiver arrives on the sanctuary. Whitaker will take a break from his breakfast to
glance over and make sure that caregiver makes it all the way to the parking area, gets out of their car, and starts their walk onto the farm, signaling the beginning
of the day for the staff on the farm. Patiently, Whitaker will go back to his
breakfast with the rest of the herd, knowing that soon enough, the second half of his
family (the human half) will be down to see him.
When his human friends arrive to the herd for their morning medication stop, there are certain things that must occur
— because, as we know, medication is not the only thing you need to feel better! One other important requirement (at least according to Whitaker) is the back scratch. And if you’ve never attempted to ignore a 2,500-pound steer, just know from our experience
— that is not possible!
And if said back scratch is not long enough for Whitaker’s liking, there are ramifications
— including being cut off when you attempt to walk away. No one puts baby in the corner. And that is what this gentle giant is
— our baby.
Whitaker’s happy life at sanctuary began when he was found on the side of the road, just days old, by a caring couple. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for calves born to mothers who are being ranged on rented pasture
— often newborn babies
— to get lost in the shuffle of the running herd when they are hunkered down in the tall grass (they are tiny and easy to miss). The couple who found him took him to a vet and then back to their home. Knowing they were unable to give this newborn the care he needed, they contacted us.
When Whitaker arrived at Farm Sanctuary, he was weak, lethargic,
dehydrated, and still had his dried umbilicus attached. We immediately went to
work providing him with all of the care and treatment he needed to help him become the healthy and happy steer he is today. Even with all the
issues Whitaker was suffering from when he arrived, he has never
been anything but sweet, gentle, and affectionate from our very first moments with him.
Whitaker has come a long way from his small beginnings — he is now one of the biggest guys in the herd (he doesn’t seem
to know it, though). He still looks at you with the same loving eyes he did when
he was a little calf — only now with the confidence that comes from knowing that he will always be safe, loved, and cared for by his two families.
Whitaker surrounded by humanimal friends.
At Farm Sanctuary, Whitaker is living in the best of both worlds. As a member of our special-needs herd, he is surrounded by his cattle family, and of course he has his humanimal family as well! This special boy relishes all the love and kinship he receives from both. Whitaker is truly one of a kind, and reminds us of just how special he is
on a daily basis!
Whitaker scoping Nutmeg out shortly after the youngster joined the herd — not too sure about this new addition!
Whitaker is especially fond of Dawn, the herd matriarch, and Nutmeg, the youngest boy of the herd. At first, he wasn’t sure what to make
of this tiny addition to the family, and was a little wary of him — but then he
discovered that Nutmeg was the perfect playmate! These two would run and frolic
through the pastures (that is, until Whitaker found a tasty spot of grass or
hay).
Whitaker playing with buddies Nutmeg, Meredith, and Cha Cha.
Whitaker is truly a big, friendly giant who moves through the
pastures that are his home with the confidence that he is safe and protected.
We love that he feels comfortable enough to have this confidence, and we
will continue to make sure he always feels as safe and confident as possible
for the rest of his life.
Whitaker excitedly running to a new pasture during one of our regular rotations.
Please share Whitaker’s story. Together, we can raise awareness about the deep emotional lives of cattle like him. With your support, we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. A compassionate world begins with you!
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