Friends of Hilda Club Party Recap!
Thirty years ago, we met a special animal who would change the course of our lives forever. At Lancaster Stockyards, a six-month-old lamb had been callously tossed onto a dead pile, while still alive, because she was so dehydrated she could not stand. Stockyard workers abandoned her because they deemed her unprofitable; they figured that a “downed” animal was of no use to anyone. Little did they know that the sheep we named Hilda would have an immeasurable impact on the world, changing countless hearts and minds about our relationships with farm animals. On that fateful day, we saw Hilda as someone, not something; and after receiving the basic care she needed, Hilda went on to live a long and healthy life at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter. To this day, this ambassador for her species continues to have an impact on farm animals everywhere, as her legacy inspires compassionate action from treasured members and supporters just like you.
Hilda (right) was left for dead at a stockyard in Pennsylvania. After receiving care and love at Farm Sanctuary, this ambassador for her species spent more than ten years on our pastures, changing countless hearts and minds about farm animals just like her.
A very healthy Hilda, pictured with President and Co-founder Gene Baur.
The Friends of Hilda Club, established in Hilda’s honor, pays tribute to this incredible ambassador and the billions of farm animals just like her who also deserve to live as nature intended – to feel the sun on their faces, form lifelong bonds with their friends and family, and freely exhibit their unique personalities. Consistent support from our Friends of Hilda Club members is crucial in sustaining our lifesaving rescue, education, and advocacy work, ensuring that our rescued residents receive the individualized care they need to thrive – and that we can continue to change the world for the innumerable beings just like them.
On August 13-14, we honored the impact these valued allies have with a special celebration at our New York shelter. Guests enjoyed delicious vegan meals; partook in spirited discussions about the impact their donations make; and of course, spent quality time with our rescued residents, whom they honor each day through their selfless leadership gifts.
When we rescue animals like Alida from dire circumstances or provide our animals the care they need despite situations beyond our control, it’s because we have supporters like you who back us up at every step along the way. Farm Sanctuary is indebted to individuals like our Friends of Hilda Club members, who give consistently to ensure that we are as effective in our mission of creating a more compassionate world as possible. We are delighted to share some of our favorite highlights from our Friends of Hilda Club celebration, in honor of the good we can do when we align our actions with our compassionate values.
Irene enjoyed some quality time with Gene and Sonny on our main cattle pasture. Sonny, like Hilda, was also a downed animal left for dead at a stockyard; thanks to friends like our Hilda Club members, he is the healthy, gentle giant we know him to be today!
Sonny also enjoyed a yummy apple treat from pal Julie!
Meanwhile, Pamela and Michael extending a loving hand to Blitzen, another stockyard survivor who is showing the world how sweet and loving cattle can be!
Meanwhile in our special needs herd, Kirsty enjoyed some one-on-one attention from her friend Michael. At 28, Kirsty is our eldest bovine resident, and we are grateful for our supporters’ help in caring for Kirsty throughout all stages of her life here!
Stella is also enjoying her later years in peace at our New York Shelter. Once prized for what her body could give, Stella is now loved as the incredible individual that Hilda Club members like Sean know her to be!
Moving on to our sheep and goat herd, it’s easy to see the love Jennifer has for her buddy Grace. While Grace is now blind, there’s no doubt she can feel this incredible connection with her humanimal friend. When we treat others with compassion, the love we receive in return knows no bounds.
Liam is grateful for friends like Queenie, whose support saved his life when he needed help most. Now, Liam is changing others’ lives by showing how lovable sheep — and all farm animals — can be when we put compassion first.
Roger was a popular pal, showing nothing but love for Tambra (top) and Aimee (bottom). It is incredible to witness the transformations these animals experience when we treat them compassionately, as the magnificent individuals we know them to be.
His twin sister Jennifer was just as sweet, offering affectionate nuzzles to Irene. These siblings were rescued from tragedy, but have learned to trust and love their humanimal friends; this is what supporters like you make possible when you donate to Farm Sanctuary’s rescue, education, and advocacy work.
And let’s not forget about gentle Skye, pictured here with Dana. Skye was found in a Rubbermaid container along with another goat. But here, Skye can roam around to his heart’s delight. Skye has CAE, a virus that impacts the joints, and as he is quite tall the disease places additional strain on his legs. But thanks to friends like Dana, Skye receives all the love and care he needs at sanctuary. And this sweet boy is continuously changing hearts and minds about how affectionate and friendly goats can be.
And of course, a Farm Sanctuary visit would not be complete without a trip to the pig barn! Aimee and Nick join Gene in a group belly rub for Jane pig, whose resourcefulness as a youngster brought her to our New York Shelter.
Johanna demonstrates how pigs like Maggie love a good belly rub just as much as dogs do! Maggie, one of Julia’s babies, was born at sanctuary and has always been treated with compassion. When we get to know animals on their level, it is amazing how all of our lives can change for the better!
Honoring the ambassador who started it all. Our guests join Susie for a tribute to Hilda while listening to Gene’s reflections on how her legacy continues to inspire good to this day. Hilda’s grave is a popular spot for visitors to reflect on our relationships with farm animals, inspiring us to help even more animals just like her.
Weekend-at-a-glance: just a few more highlights from this celebratory weekend, where we honored our rescued residents and the compassionate allies who make everything possible.
We enjoyed seeing several of our Friends of Hilda Club members again this weekend at our popular Hoe Down celebration! Stay tuned for the lowdown on the Hoe Down here on Animals of Farm Sanctuary; it’s because of humanimals just like you that our lifesaving work is made possible. For more information on the program and how you can be a voice for farm animals just like Hilda, visit farmsanctuary.org/hildaclub