Escaped Calf Finds Unlikely Family Among Deer
In Holland, New York, a young calf named Bonnie made a daring escape from a farm while workers were loading cattle for slaughter.
She disappeared into the wintery forest, evading capture for months. Some searched for her out of concern, while others saw her as a prize for hunting.
Then, something extraordinary happened—Bonnie found a new family among a herd of wild deer.
Trail cameras on Becky Bartel’s property captured the astonishing sight of the calf living among them. Seeing her struggle, Becky began leaving food and bedding, slowly earning Bonnie’s trust.
However, some neighbors saw her as a nuisance and threatened to shoot her. Determined to save Bonnie, Becky contacted Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York.
The rescue team devised a plan, using a mild sedative to safely transport Bonnie to the sanctuary.
Now, Bonnie lives happily among other rescued cows, free from danger—thanks to Becky’s compassion and a little help from her unlikely deer family.
