Meet the Residents

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Donkey is one of our oldest residents, but you'd never know it. He has a one-of-a kind spirit along with a ferocious appetite. When he's hungry you will know!

Donkey was found wandering with his best friend, Sam, in Immokalee, about an hour south of the sanctuary. Sam and Donkey were rescued from an auction and several months later, arrived here at Yesahcan Sanctuary.

Remy is a beautiful mini horse that came from a home where the owners could no longer care for him. He was at risk of being sold to breed or live in a petting zoo, but friends of the sanctuary convinced the owner to surrender him to the sanctuary. Remy enjoys grazing in the pastures with his new best friends, Sam and Donkey.

When we moved to the Yesahcan Sanctuary, Harley and her mom lived next door in a pasture. After a few months, we woke up to Harley in our pasture! She knew the grass was greener and snuck through a small opening in the adjoining fence. After watching over her through a hurricane, we were finally able to track down her owner. Like the majority of cattle, Harley was destined for slaughter, as she was considered a "beef" cow . Knowing we couldn’t let that happen, we made Harley an official resident of the sanctuary. Harley is full of personality and hangs with herd, which now includes her mom, Phoebe. 

Shivanika Nikki and her four other feathered friends were rescued from a live market in New York. Once healthy enough to travel, they made the long journey down to Florida to begin their life at Yesahcan Sanctuary. Shivanika Nikki is named after two very special people. Shivanika is a 6-year old hero for the animals. She speaks out when she sees animals in need and loves eating plant-based foods so she can take a stand for compassion. Nikki is Shivanika's mom who helped instill these wonderful values in her child--values that she's had her whole life. 

When Elizabeth could no longer calf, her fate appeared to be sealed and she was to be sold for slaughter. Thankfully, enough donations were raised to purchase her and her rescuer reached out to see if we could give Elizabeth a home without an expiration date.  We said "yes we can" and Elizabeth was transported here to live out her natural life. Her rescuer is also now a board member for the sanctuary. Elizabeth will live out her natural life here roaming over 12 acres of pasture with her herd mates. 

Ivey was rescued by a Good Samaritan who recognized she was unable to walk when she was visiting a local farm. When Ivey arrived, she could barely use her front legs and after visiting our veterinary specialist, it turned out that Ivey had several vertebral fractures. Within days of being here Ivey began using her front legs. Ivey gets around great now, even if she looks a tad bit different. We are not sure if Ivey will ever regain complete function of her legs and have a traditional posture, but it doesn't matter. Ivey is living her absolute best life here with her friends at the sanctuary.

 It is believed that Gigi either jumped or fell off of a transport truck traveling on the highway because she was found by a home under a highway bridge in Tampa, not near near any farms or rural neighborhoods. Within in an hour of arriving, Gigi busted out of her quarantine area and has been by Gabriel's side ever since. It was apparent that Gigi needed  companionship more than anything upon arrival. Gabriel is so unbelievably loving and gentle with her.  Now, Gigi is making friends with everyone here! 

 Memphis, and his sister Donna Marlow, were rescued from a small farm in north Florida where they were living in small pens filled mud and their own excrement for some time. An urgent plea for someone to help them came about because they were running out of time - likely expected to drown in their pens with a coming rain storm that evening. We agreed to take them in and a kind group of individuals transported them to the sanctuary late that night. They arrived nervous and fearful, but quickly warmed up to the human residents at the sanctuary. Now, Memphis and Donna Marlow can't get enough human interaction. Memphis will drop for belly rubs the second her sees you!

Donna Marlow, and her brother Memphis, were rescued from a small farm in north Florida where they were living in small pens filled mud and their own excrement for some time. An urgent plea for someone to help them came about because they were running out of time - likely expected to drown in their pens with a coming rain storm that evening. We agreed to take them in and a kind group of individuals transported them to the sanctuary late that night. They arrived nervous and fearful, but quickly warmed up to the human residents at the sanctuary. Now,  Donna Marlow and Memphis can't get enough human interaction. Donna Marlow prefers to slide between your legs to ensure all attention is on her and the back scratches are a must! Donna Marlow was also named after a very special person that has dedicated her life to helping farmed animals--Donna Krudwig. Donna is a true hero!

Felix came to us with Asher from North Carolina from a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) or factory farm. They were set to be gassed (killed) with 40 others because they had not grown enough or were sick and no longer considered profitable. A great group of people worked out a deal with the farmer to rescue them if they could get them out within 24 hours. We were contacted and these two were transported to our sanctuary about a week later. Their names mean “happy and blessed” because they were destined to be killed and used for meat. These boys are extremely social and love food, rooting around in the pasture and staying cool in the dirt and mud. They are bred to grow very quickly and may have health problems as they get older, but they will live out their entire lives here on the sanctuary.  

JP came to the sanctuary after law enforcement in a neighboring county  picked him up from a vacant property.  JP had a lot of difficulty walking and after the radiograph found JP had severe degenerative joint disease in his legs. Since joining us, JP has shown great progress in his mobility and overall quality of life. This is a disease that will continue to progress  and will most likely require him to use a quad cart to get around in the near future. It is a beautiful sight watching JP walk around and explore the property. 

Maddy came to us as an orphan. At a few days old, she was dropped off at our vet’s office because her mother and sibling died from complications due to childbirth. When she arrived at the sanctuary, she was only about 6 pounds and needed to be bottle fed for another three months. Now, she is well over 100 pounds and loves to follow her humans around. Maddy is a cross between a hair and wool sheep. Maddy will grow a wool coat in the winter and shed it on her own in the spring. Maddy is believed to be a breed of sheep common in Florida that is raised primarily for meat.

 When Petunia was ready to make the journey to Yesahcan Sanctuary from West Palm Animal Services, Walter was her last piglet without a home. Not wanting him to be all alone, we decided he would also be a great addition! When he arrived, Walter was about 20 pounds, now he is over 400 pounds and continuing to grow. Walter is full of personality and is always ready for a belly rub! 

Assemblyman Howard Watts was named after the legislator in Nevada who heroically fought for—and won—a campaign to outlaw the sale and production of eggs from caged chickens. He spoke passionately about the plight of chickens in the egg industry when he testified in numerous committees and on the floor of the Statehouse, and lobbied his colleagues relentlessly to vote for his legislation. Our (chicken) Assemblyman Watts will have a peaceful existence at our sanctuary and because of (human) Assemblyman Watts, millions of chickens will have a better life. 

Justin and Pharrell came to us from a home that could no longer care for them. They love to chase each other around the sanctuary. Pekin ducks are commonly raised for consumption, but these two will live our their natural lives here.

Pharrell and Justin came to us from a home that could no longer care for them. They love to chase each other around the sanctuary. Pekin ducks are commonly raised for consumption, but these two will live our their natural lives here.

Gloria came to us from an owner surrender situation. Gloria had been living with several other ducks when a predator attacked their area at night. Gloria was the only surviving duck and her previous home knew she needed to find a safer permanent home. When Gloria arrived, she immediately bonded with Mack and Kesha. These three are now inseparable. 

  Mack and Kesha came to us from an owner surrender at a very young age. Their previous home could no longer care for them and we knew they would have a great life here enjoying the several ponds on the property. These two came to us inseparable and continue always stick together. They now spend all of their time with sweet Gloria. 

Albert Eggstein, now G-Easy, came to us from Palm Beach County Animal Services where he was found as a stray. Around this same time, we took in Ellie Goulding, who was also found as a stray in Arcadia. Ellie and her chicken companions had been surviving out in the woods, when her companions were sadly killed by a predator. Worried for her safety, a friend of the sanctuary was able to catch her and bring her to safety. Now G-Eazy and Ellie hang together at Yesahcan Sanctuary.

Owen came to us after a kind person dropped him off after finding him on the side of a busy road. We believe Owen's mother was trapped and gave birth on the trailer. Owen must have fallen off of the trailer almost immediately because he still had the umbilical cord attached. Shortly after taking Owen to the sanctuary he became critically ill. Owen's illness caused a permanent heart condition that will need to be treated and monitored for the rest of his natural life. Owen is so full of life and can be quite dramatic at times, throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way.....just like a typical toddler! Everyone that meets Owen loves him so much. 

Billie came to us from a small goat farm raising the goats for meat. A friend of the sanctuary convinced the owner to surrender Billie and brought her here. Billie is full of personality and loves all human visitors! Billie's favorite snacks are bananas, lettuce and berries.

Milo came to us after a transport truck he was on with hundreds of other piglets crashed in the Midwest. He was one of the lucky few that survived and were pulled from the crash. If the truck had not crashed, Milo was destined to spend the remaining five months of his life in a finishing facility to only then be killed for his flesh. Milo has such a sweet personality and never tires of stomach rubs. 

Daisy came to us from a friend of the sanctuary that could no longer care for her. Daisy is the sweetest little lady and will be your best friend if you give her a carrot or apple treat!

 Simon came to us after a 'friend of a friend' had purchased chicks thinking both were female. Simon was in fact a rooster and her community was not zoned to allow roosters. We welcomed Simon the Silkie to our flock. He spends most of his days with Sia and Carrie Underwood. 

 Sza and Kendrick are both bantam roosters and came from a similar situation as Simon. The previous caretakers purchased unsexed chicks hoping for females. Two of the three ended up as males and their community was not zoned for roosters. They contacted the sanctuary at our very early stages and we agreed to take them along with the single female, Cardi B. 

 Cardi B is also a bantam hen and arrived with Sza and Kendrick.. The previous caretakers purchased chicks hoping for females. Two of the three ended up as males and their community was not zoned for roosters. They contacted the sanctuary at our very early stages and we agreed to take all three.

Florence came to the sanctuary after being found wandering a nearby neighborhood. Florence, along with her partner, the Machine, are two of the most stunning chickens and love taking afternoon dust baths together.

Harry & Liam came to us after another Florida farm sanctuary rescued these boys from the other coast. Harry and Liam were living in a neighborhood pond.  Unfortunately, Pekin ducks are not meant survive in the wild and were exposed to predators. Harry was attacked and lost one of his legs. Because of this injury, Harry would never be able to survive on his own. Luckily, Harry and Liam had a human that was looking out for them and contacted a sanctuary in the area. They reached out to us and the boys arrived here in January 2020. Harry and Liam have settled in nicely at the sanctuary. Despite  having one leg, Harry has learned how to get around just fine!

 When we moved to Yesahcan Sanctuary, Daphne and Phoebe lived in the vacant pasture adjacent to our property. They were part of a commercial cattle operation, where they were impregnated annually and their babies were sold once they reached a certain age. Harley, one of Phoebe’s calves, escaped to our property and we negotiated her permanent stay here with the farmer. This year, the farmer was retiring and called us to see if we would like to care for Daphne and Phoebe. We said yes without hesitation, installed a gate the next day, and reunited Daphne and Phoebe with Harley and the other pasture residents. Daphne and Phoebe are now free to live out their lives in peach, never again going through the torment of watching their babies being taken from them

Gus & Theo came to us from a dairy farm in Vermont where they were destined for a very short and tragic life. As you may know, in order to produce milk, cheese, and other dairy products, the cows must be impregated in order to produce milk. The babies are taken away immediately and given formula in order for the milk to be used for human consumption. The female calves are normally kept and raised to become impregnated and used for milk, while the males are considered virtually useless. The bull (male) calves are either killed imeadiately or raised in confinement until they are slaughtered at only a few months old and sold as veal. Now, they will live out their lives, and average of 18-22 years, here with their pasture friends!

Gus & Theo came to us from a dairy farm in Vermont where they were destined for a very short and tragic life. As you may know, in order to produce milk, cheese, and other dairy products, the cows must be impregated in order to produce milk. The babies are taken away immediately and given formula in order for the milk to be used for human consumption. The female calves are normally kept and raised to become impregnated and used for milk, while the males are considered virtually useless. The bull (male) calves are either killed imeadiately or raised in confinement until they are slaughtered at only a few months old and sold as veal. Now, they will live out their lives, and average of 18-22 years, here with their pasture friends!

Buttercup came to us from Palm Beach County Animal Services. She was picked up as a stray and was at the shelter for quite some time. When Buttercup arrived, she was extremely fearful of all people. She has made great progress, but is still a bit nervous around new people. Buttercup loves belly rubs and smells so sweet, just like maple syrup!

 Dahlia was dropped off at our veterinarian's office when she was only about a week old. Dahlia is a feral piglet. Dahlia’s mother had been shot and killed and Dahlia was believed to have been attacked by the hunting dogs. Dahlia would not have had a chance in the wild by herself and came to Yesahcan Sanctuary in December 2019. Dahlia will grow to be a very large pig in a short period of time. She loves humans and belly rubs. She is full of energy and has the ‘zoomies’ almost every day.

Silas, along with his friend Griffin, were part of a large rescue in Oregon that involved 250+ neglected and abused pigs from one property. Several sanctuaries worked together over many months to fund veterinary care, spay and neuter surgeries, and homes for the pigs. Sanctuaries across the country were called upon to help and we offered to assist. Griffin and Silas traveled from Oregon to Arcadia, Florida to find their permanent home!

Griffin, along with his friend Silas, were part of a large rescue in Oregon that involved 250+ neglected and abused pigs from one property. Several sanctuaries worked together over many months to fund veterinary care, spay and neuter surgeries, and homes for the pigs. Sanctuaries across the country were called upon to help and we offered to assist. Griffin and Silas traveled from Oregon to Arcadia, Florida to find their permanent home!

Reggie, along with his brother Oswald, were found roaming a neighboring county. Because they were found during the pandemic, animal services reached out to us instead of the mandatory auction that so commonly takes place when 'farmed animals' are found in Florida. We believe Reggie and Oswald came from a family that loved them because they love humans. If you visit the sanctuary, Reggie and Oswald just might try to jump in your car and go for a ride. :)

Oswald, along with his brother Reggie, were found roaming a neighboring county. Because they were found during the pandemic, animal services reached out to us instead of the mandatory auction that so commonly takes place when 'farmed animals' are found in Florida. We believe Reggie and Oswald came from a family that loved them because they love humans. If you visit the sanctuary, Reggie and Oswald just might try to jump in your car and go for a ride. :)

Elise and Emmett were found running down a very busy road in a neighboring county. Because they were found during the pandemic, animal services reached out to us instead of the mandatory auction that so commonly takes place when 'farmed animals' are found in Florida. We believe Emmett and Elise escaped a local goat farm because Elise had an ear tag. Both were emaciated and extremely fearful of all humans. Elise and Emmett have made great progress and now reside with the many other goats at the sanctuary. They are still very cautious of people, but we are okay with that. Giving Elise and Emmett the freedom to live as they should without fear and pain is the purpose of Yesahcan Sanctuary.

Mae arrived at the sanctuary with her kids, Evie and Talalula, along with Anabelle and Clementine. This goat family came from a North Carolina farm that was involved in a criminal cruelty and neglect case. This goat family was rehabilitated by our friends at Sisu Refuge and once healthy enough, make the trek to Florida. It is beautiful to know that Mae will never be separated from her kids again.

Evie arrived at the sanctuary with her mother Mae and sister Talula. This goat family came from a North Carolina farm that was involved in a criminal cruelty and neglect case. This goat family was rehabilitated by our friends at Sisu Refuge and once healthy enough, make the trek to Florida. It is beautiful to know that Evie will always get to be with her family.

Talula arrived at the sanctuary with her mother Mae and sister Evie. This goat family came from a North Carolina farm that was involved in a criminal cruelty and neglect case. This goat family was rehabilitated by our friends at Sisu Refuge and once healthy enough, make the trek to Florida. It is beautiful to know that Talula  will always get to be with her family.

Anabelle arrived with her kid, Clementine, along with Mae, Evie and Talula. This goat family came from a North Carolina farm that was involved in a criminal cruelty and neglect case. This goat family was rehabilitated by our friends at Sisu Refuge and once healthy enough, make the trek to Florida. It is beautiful to know that Anabelle will never be separated from her kids again.

Clementine arrived at the sanctuary with her mother, Anabelle. This goat family came from a North Carolina farm that was involved in a criminal cruelty and neglect case. This goat family was rehabilitated by our friends at Sisu Refuge and once healthy enough, make the trek to Florida. It is beautiful to know that Clementine will get to spend her life with her mother and bonded goat family.

When just hours old, these three ducklings were rescued and taken to our vet’s office shortly after hatching because their mother was killed. We weren’t sure if one of the ducklings would make it, as he was much smaller and was unable to walk. We treated him for splay leg when he was much younger. He is able to get around and works really hard to keep up with Leona and Zendaya. We will continue to work with Post Malone, but we are thinking he may always have some difficulties. Thankfully, he is free to live out his life here with the other sanctuary residents and we will provide whatever extra care may be needed.