RIP Jude – a true gentleman who will be missed by all

We sadly had to say goodbye to our gentle giant, Jude, last week and we can’t quite believe it. Jude was saved from ending up on a plate as veal at just four days old by another animal sanctuary who took him to stop him being slaughtered, but ultimately did not have the grazing land needed to house him permanently. Jude came to us when he was still a calf and would have been 13 later this month. Sadly, no how much we wish it were not the case, no one can beat old age.

We have rescued many cows over the years, and we have loved every single one of them. Jude did, however, have a special place in so many people’s hearts and was an amazing adocvate for the sanctuary, teaching many who met him that cows are so much more than an ingredient. Visitors were never not amazed at huge he was, and often saddened that the reason they hadn’t seen a cow that size before was because usually they are killed for meat before they make it to adulthood.

He was not only large in size, but was also a large part of sanctuary life, and many hearts have been broken at his passing. Whilst we knew this day was inevitable, it was still a shock. He had  spent his last few days chilling in the sunshine with his cow family, Devon, Wanda and Chip. Cows bond for life, so we’re keeping a close eye on the three he has left behind and giving them extra love and attention.

We love you Jude! Thank you for teaching us to be kind, and for being such a big influence in our lives, RIP big guy.