Ferdinand Turns Two

 The Gentle Barn just celebrated its twentieth anniversary, but that is not the only birthday we are rejoicing; our calf Ferdinand just turned two! Mostly we rescue older animals who come in fully grown. We can guess how old they are, but celebrating their exact birthday is difficult. When we rescue young animals, it is easier to know exactly how old they are and celebrate their birthdays. Ferdinand was rescued at just eight weeks old, newly orphaned, and in deep need of love, family, and a safe place to live. We brought him home, held him in our arms, read out loud to him, sang to him, kept him company during the day, slept with him at night, and breathed the life back into him. Once he was done with his thirty-day quarantine, we paired him with an older cow who loved him so much, and adopted him as her own, that she produced milk for him! Ferdinand nursed three times a day, got a bedtime bath and was put to bed each night with his new mom standing next to him. He was carefree, playful, affectionate, and happy.
Because Ferdinand’s mom, Lucy was older when she adopted him, she passed away recently, leaving Ferdinand mourning, distraught, and bereft for the second time. But Ferdinand’s bovine and human family rallied around him, supporting him through the grief, and helping him move forward. On his second birthday party we fed him cake, decorated the barnyard, sang him happy birthday, and made sure that he knew just how much he is loved and cherished. Ferdinand is already a big boy, growing more and more each day. He will grow till he is five and will most likely reach 3,000 pounds by the time he is done. Please come visit him, help us make him feel important, and watch him grow into a wonderful ambassador opening people’s hearts to the magic of cows, and healing people who are struggling with loss as well!
The Gentle Barn is a national organization that rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect. Once healed we partner with the animals to inspire people with the same stories and connect children to the love and magic of animals and nature. The Gentle Barn is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during the week hosts private tours, school field trips, corporate events, and groups of children who are at risk, from the inner city, and who are differently abled. To enroll in our Peace Enhancement Program or visit The Gentle Barn go to www.gentlebarn.org and follow The Gentle Barn on Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.