A rescued cow who had not been around a herd for years jumped for joy when he was finally able to interact with a group of cows once more.
Theo, an approximately four-year-old Steer, had experienced a difficult start to life, having originally been sold at a feed store in South Florida.
As a male Holstein, Theo was likely born on a dairy farm and, as a steer, was sold because he could not produce milk, staff at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, where he now calls home, said.
When Theo was sold, he was extremely malnourished, underfed, and the female who he was living with passed away.
He was purchased by a family who were able to get him physically health, but, Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary said, the bulls on the farm targeted him, and the owners knew Theo needed to be moved once more.
Fortunately, a horse rescuer heard Theo’s story and potentially saved him from slaughter, keeping him for about two years in the company of horses.
But during this time, Theo had had no bovine companionship, and when he began roaming around a neighborhood, it became clear that he needed another new home and to be castrated.
It was at point that Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, a rescue facility for farm animals across two locations in Florida, stepped in.
The rescue oversaw Theo’s castration, and it was then time for him to be introduced back into a herd of cows for the first time in years.
When that moment happened at the organization’s Alachua facility in the hills, Theo let out a jump for joy, before excitedly moving around with his new herd.
The moment was captured on video by staff at the rescue facility, and over the days that followed, a post about Theo’s introduction received a loving response on social media.
Katelyn Braglia, who works as a Humane Educator, Outreach Coordinator and Animal Caretaker at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, said: “It was very emotional seeing Theo having access to the green pastures he has always deserved.
“All of the sanctuary residents are unique individuals, and Theo’s personality is definitely special.
“He is massive, but gentle enough to lead into a chute for a medical procedure with no hassle.
“He is very vocal and a bit of a shadow, following around and calling out to staff and volunteers as they complete their tasks.
“As much as we’d love to keep Theo to ourselves, we know he will be most happy in the large herd of others like him.
“He has access to ponds, grass, and friends.
“He will never be asked to do anything but exist and enjoy his life. We are over the moon for him.”
