In Memoriam

  • Albie

    Albie was rescued from Kaporos in Brooklyn, NY.

    Albie was liberated with his pal, Jack, and the two formed deep bonds with a number of roosters in their Bachelor Flock at PEAK. Albie was an easy going chicken.

    Thank you, Albie.

    Birthday: August 2018

    Rescued: September 2018

  • Alvin

    Alvin was abandoned with five other chickens in a cardboard box near the road at the end of our driveway. A feather-legged bantam rooster, Alvin was a bit bigger than his best friend Simon. He loved to perch as high as possible and watch over all his surroundings. Alvin was a mighty and brave chicken who was unabashedly himself.

    Birthday: January 2019

    Rescued: August 2019

  • Beaky

    Beaky was rescued from Kaporos. Along with four flock mates, he made the long journey from New York to Salem thanks to committed activists.

    Though already quite large, Beaky was still a chick when he arrived at PEAK, still peeping. Chickens bred for meat have been genetically modified to grow extremely large, extremely fast, and therefore suffer a slew of ailments.

    Thank you for teaching us about chickens, Beaky.

    Birthday: August 2017

    Rescued: September 2017

  • Bean

    Bean and Clover were two of four very sick piglets surrendered by a closing factory farm in Indiana to a cattle farmer and then to us (Kanda Sanctuary took in two and we took in two). They were so sick, both with pneumonia, but we knew they wanted to live, so we fought for them.

    Bean actually got to experience some Sanctuary Life (and discover his love of strawberries) before the pneumonia took a turn and he had to go back to Purdue for oxygen. Eventually oxygen wasn’t even helping, and we knew he needed to be free of the pain.

    We’re so grateful both piglets had the chance to experience love, whether here with us and/or with the team at Purdue. A lot of people were rooting for them.

    We love you, Bean.

    Birthday: April 2020

    Rescued: May 2020

  • Bodhi

    Bodhi means “enlightenment” or “awakening.” We welcomed Bodhi on January 29. He was abandoned, like many roosters, in the woods in winter. He lost his comb, waddle, a toe, and toenail due to severe frostbite. He also showed “flashback” type symptoms but was able to put the trauma behind him and thrive.

    During his days at PEAK, Bodhi enjoyed human companionship and sought out affection. He enjoyed listening to meditative music, loved bright colors, and appreciated being gently stroked along his body. Bodhi would regularly go running to his caretakers and also served as a greeter. Bodhi enjoyed being with humans and looking in a mirror. Who could blame him?!

    We miss you, Bodhi.

    Birthday: August 2016

    Rescued: January 2017

  • Brandi

    Brandi and her siblings (Erica and Isaac) were rescued from a severe neglect case in New York as young pigs. The trio came to live at PEAK and quickly became a family with Andy and Annie.

    Brandi, second pig in charge under Isaac, was the most reserved of the three siblings. While she was the most quiet of the pigs, her grunt was the deepest, and she made very high pitched squeals when she wasn’t happy! She could be a bit stubborn and knew her own heart.

    Brandi, when not spending time alone could be found snuggling with Erica. She loved human interaction and would do a big flop for a belly rub.

    We miss you, Brandi.

    Birthday: January 2013

    Rescued: November 2013

  • Clover

    Clover and Bean were two of four very sick piglets surrendered by a closing factory farm in Indiana to a cattle farmer and then to us. They were so sick, both with pneumonia, but we knew they wanted to live, so we fought for them.

    On top of the pneumonia, Clover was fighting off a severe infection in her back leg that virtually left no bone, plus an infection in her front leg in the growth plate. She was showing signs of improvement in her pneumonia, which would have allowed for more procedures to deal with her leg infections. However, the pneumonia could not be resolved.

    During her time with humans who cared for her, Clover discovered her love of apples. We’re so grateful both Clover and Bean had the chance to experience love both with us and the team at Purdue. A lot of people were rooting for them.

    Rest well, sweet Clover.

    Birthday: April 2020

    Rescued: May 2020

  • Cody

    Cody was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY. As a Cornish mix breed, Cody was brought into the world to be used for “meat.”

    At PEAK, Cody was kept on a strict diet and given plenty of room for exercise and offered individualized medical care. Cody came to PEAK with four other birds who were also rescued from Kaporos. Cody was confident and spunky.

    We will never forget you, Cody.

    Birthday: August 2018

    Rescued September 2019

  • Erica

    Erica was rescued from a severe neglect case in New York with her siblings, Brandi and Isaac. Erica was the queen of back scratches or “Give me a belly rub!” and would flop down anywhere, anytime. Absolutely shameless.

    Erica bonded deeply with Annie after her sister, Brandi, died in January 2021. Erica loved treats but would pick her milled pig food over anything. She was a Gloucestershire Old Spots, an English breed known for docility and intelligence. Erica was a favorite of visitors and touched many hearts.

    We miss you more than we can say, Erica.

    Birthday: January 2013

    Rescued: November 2013

  • Fillmore

    Fillmore was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY. He was a Cornish Cross breed, brought into the world to be used for “meat.”

    Fillmore was sweet and affectionate. He spent most of his days in the main barn with his buddies, Ren and Leo. The three loved to scratch around in the pig and cow beds.

    We’re grateful that Fillmore spent his days with lots of love, the freedom to explore, and so many friends.

    We won’t ever forget you, Fillmore.

    Birthday: August 2017

    Rescued: September 2017

  • Greta

    Greta came from a neglect case in Cincinnati. Great was rescued by Speak Up for Horses out of Falmouth, KY; they contacted us about providing sanctuary for her.

    Greta’s previous caretaker had very progressed Alzheimer’s, and the animals had been neglected for some time. Fortunately, a neighbor finally reported the neglect of the animals. We held off on providing Greta with her name, as we had hoped to find out the name she had most of her life, but it wasn’t possible with her previous caretaker’s condition.

    The caring neighbor did report that Greta had lived there for about 13 yrs – which is pretty old for a goat. At some point, she was with other goats, but of late, she was a solo goat. Greta had definitely been a mother and could have possible been used for her milk – we aren’t sure.

    Greta’s hooves were grossly overgrown, causing pain when she walked, in addition to her arthritis – her bones popped when she walked, too. Due to their condition, it was a slow process of small trims to her hooves for many weeks. She was a very large girl but underweight and bony. We started her on a senior feed, daily medication for her arthritis, and probiotics. We got a full blood panel and nutritional profile as well which helped us address specific nutritional needs.

    Greta settled in nicely and started to become very vocal, especially when she heard the lid to the alfalfa cube can lifting! She loved fresh vegetation we gathered and brought to her from the Sanctuary grounds as well as bananas.

    Greta knew she was loved and we are so grateful her later days were spent at PEAK. While Greta was only with us for seven months, she left a huge impression on our hearts. Greta embodied peace, serenity, and grace. We find solace in knowing Greta felt that she was loved, that she had comfort and honor in her last months, and that her death was dignified. While she was nearly fourteen (very old for a goat), she still had a very strong will.

    Be free, Sweet Greta. You are missed.

    Birthday: 2002

    Rescued: 2015

  • Isaac

    Isaac and his siblings, Erica and Brandi, were rescued from a severe neglect case in New York as young piglets. The trio quickly became a family with Andy and Annie.

    In recent years, Isaac started to have back leg/hip issues and which were treated with a cocktail of medications. Isaac was the boss, though ever so gentle. Isaac would get really, really excited at meal time! Isaac was silly, sweet and extremely laid back; he had the loveliest deep brown eyes. Isaac loved affection and was very vocal when you talked with him. Isaac was a Gloucestershire Old Spots pig–an English breed known for both docility and intelligence.

    After Isaac’s death we heard from so many guests, visitors and volunteers who had connected with Isaac over the years. His smile and huge heart were epic.

    The day we discovered a tiny frog sitting atop Isaac’s head sums up the way he lived life—calm, gentle, steady.

    Thank you, Isaac. You were a very good pig.

    Birthday: January 2013

    Rescued: November 2013

  • Leo

    into the world to be used for “meat.” This breed is bred to grow very large very fast; by nine months old Leo was already over 13 pounds.

    Leo was the MOST curious and liked to be front and center of the flock. Leo would also climb onto his humans’ laps and relax, too. He was the best at searching out food. Leo loved spending time with his pals, Ren and Fillmore (The Footloose Flock). He would snuggle with them in a big pile at night to stay warm.

    Thank you, Leo.

    Birthday: August 2017

    Rescued: September 2017

  • Logan

    Logan

    Logan was a survivor of Kaporos.

    “Big white birds” are bred to grow very large very fast. At PEAK, Logan had plenty of room to exercise. Logan came to PEAK with four other birds who were also rescued from Kaporos. When they arrived and settled into their new space, they all started dust bathing, likely the first of their lives. It was beautiful to watch! Logan and his pals seemed to love their days in Freedom. Logan was inquisitive–always one of the first individuals on the scene–and very affectionate.

    Birthday: August 2018

    Rescued: September 2018

  • Luke

    Before arriving at PEAK, Luke had spent a year with five other goats in a stall that was nailed shut. They seldom received adequate food, water, or general care. We are so grateful and honored that he was able to spend the last month of his life here, knowing kindness and joy, eating all that he wanted (he especially LOVED alfalfa and sunflower seeds!). Luke loved spending his days romping freely in the fields, and hanging out with his buddy, Twiggy, in peace.

    Luke was a very sweet and gentle boy. He loved to nuzzle and have his neck scratched. He was Twiggy’s protector and companion and the two were never more than a few feet apart. He and Twiggy had started playing/butting every night before bed.

    Luke went in for a routine castration at the advice of the vet. In most cases it prolongs a goat’s life; in Luke’s situation the vet had hoped it would help with the issues he was having with his back legs–severe stiffening and neuropathy–resulting from his severe malnutrition.

    Luke was doing very well the evening after the surgery but we rushed him to the vet the next morning, as he was in obvious pain. The vet spent a couple of hours with him, but in the end he passed quietly at the office.

    Neither of the vets that cared for Luke were able to say what took him in the end. He was old beyond his years due to the malnutrition, neglect, and cruelty he endured. We are so grateful that Luke experienced freedom, sunshine, love, and a full belly in his final months.

    We will dearly miss our old friend……… And know that Twiggy misses him, too.

    Birthday: ??

    Rescued: June 2014

  • Mr. Jones

    We’re heartbroken to have lost Mr. Jones (Indiana Jones, Jonsey). He passed in the night at the hospital while being treated for a breathing condition. Mr. Jones had been rushed to the Avian Clinic that morning because he was gasping for air. He has been asthmatic for a couple months–his illness wasn’t responsive to any of the prescribed antibiotics, antifungal medications, or steroids. Mr. Jones felt okay if we kept him in low humidity and stress-free conditions.

    Mr. Jones was picked up off the streets by ‘animal control’ as roosters are often dumped/discarded. He was always been such a talker! He loved to hang out near us but wasn’t interested in being held or petted, which we always honored. For a time he enjoyed leading the Footloose Flock as they were much younger. Mr. Jones had such a sweet demeanor. When he got excited or was trying to get away from someone/a loud noise, he had an adorable little hop.We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.

    Birthday: October 2016

    Rescued: October 2017

  • Noble

    Noble was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY. He was a Cornish mix breed, brought into the world to be used for “meat.” A deliberate diet and lots of exercise were tools we used to counter his genetics as much as possible.

    Noble came to PEAK with four other birds who were also rescued from Kaporos. Noble and his pals were members of The Freedom Seven Flock. Noble was quiet, calm, and curious.

    Thank you, Noble.

    Birthday: August 2018

    Rescued: September 2018

  • Petals

    Petals

    Petals ran for her life from a small farm operation and, in the process, ripped the ear tag out of her ear. We’re grateful that ‘Animal Control’ was able to rescue her and insisted on a safe forever home for Petals.

    During her overnight stay at Purdue Large Animal Hospital for her spay surgery, she figured out how to let herself out of her stall and was discovered roaming the hospital. Apparently, escaping is one of Petals’ best skills!

    Petals was the queen of completely burrowing in the straw. Petals was a Hereford pig, her markings. Petal was sweet, friendly, and so, so smart!

    March 2018 - March 2024

    Rescued: September 2018

  • Ren

    Ren

    Ren was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY. He is a Cornish Cross breed, brought into the world to be used for “meat.”

    Ren’s breed has been manipulated to grow very large, very fast. By nine months old, he was already over 13 pounds. As a result, Ren has had foot infections off and on for most of his life. However, the individualized care that all of our residents receive has allowed Ren to thrive.

    As the senior “big white bird” at PEAK, Ren was so loved! He liked to explore and spend time with his friends. Ren was the most snuggly, super content to spend time in our laps. Ren’s closest friends were Leo and Fillmore; they would spend all day together and snuggle in a big pile at night to stay warm. We are grateful that Ren lived out his days at PEAK.

    August 2017 - February 2024

    Rescued: September 2017

  • Rory

    Rory was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY. He was a Cornish mix breed, brought into the world to be used for “meat.”Rory came to PEAK with four other birds who were also rescued from the Kaporos. Rory and his pals were members of The Freedom Seven Flock. Rory was friendly and inquisitive.

    We miss you, Rory.

    Birthday: August 2018

    Rescued: September 2018

  • Sunny

    Sunny was rescued from a religious ritual in Brooklyn, NY at just 6 weeks of age. He was born on a factory farm.

    Sunny was a Cornish Cross chicken, manipulated to grow very large very fast. Sunny was rescued with two other babies, Martin + Moon. The three became a close flock. Sunny was a leader and much taller than his friends. Sunny likes to perch up high and explore everything.

    We miss you, Sunny.

    Birthday: September 2019

    Rescued: October 2019

  • Wilson

    Wilson

    May 2015 - March 2024

    Rescued: May 2017

    Wilson came home to PEAK on Mother’s Day with his inseparable companion, Zeke. He had a horrendous start in life and struggled for nearly two years due to neglect, malnourishment, and parasites.

    He and Zeke were rescued by the ASPCA with more than 1,000 other animals. After a long rehabilitation, Wilson thrived. He was our gentle giant and the star of Where’s Wilson on social media. Wilson was affectionate, sweet, and laid back. However, he got fairly excited for treats! Wilson enjoyed plenty of time in his large pastures, reaching for leaves off tall trees and lounging by the pond.