Meet Rupert, a dairy calf that was taken from his mother when he was just days old and sold on Gumtree for $50. Bought by someone with no knowledge of calf care, Rupert was tethered to a washing line in a suburban backyard and left to eat grass for weeks. With no replacement milk and inadequate care, Rupert’s health rapidly deteriorated.

In his first few days at the sanctuary, it was unclear whether Rupert would survive. He was so underweight and malnourished; he desperately missed his mum. Immediately, we began rehabilitation through veterinary care, nutritious feed, and supplements. Although Rupert sadly didn’t have his own mum by his side, rescue cows, Dawn and Olive, looked out for and cared for him. Rupert’s own mum would be proud. Rupert slowly gained the strength needed to survive.

Despite Rupert’s harrowing start to life, he is now older, thriving and enjoying his freedom at the sanctuary. 

Rescue date: August 2021