Darrowby Farm Sanctuary

In 2023, Darrowby Farm Sanctuary made significant progress on the mission in both farm-animal and human terms. Our most significant animal rescue was a small pig who had been abused and left emaciated and starving after being used for breeding all of her life. As the Darrowby staff and vet team helped her recover it was discovered that she was yet again pregnant. Stardust (the name given to this new rescue) was given all of the love and care available and in July she gave birth to nine amazing piglets (forever known as the Comets). Mom and all nine babies had survived her abuse, the pregnancy, and birth. It was an honor for the Darrowby staff and community to be part of such a life saving effort. This family will never be separated and will get to live their lives in sanctuary.Darrowby continues to provide the highest quality of care and enriching lives to all of their animal residents. An example of this was the life saving surgery provided to Miss Honey, a 650 pound, 5-year old pig and two year resident of the sanctuary. Miss Honey showed concerning signs of reproductive cancer (an unfortunately common disease for female pigs). Darrowby was able to utilize the amazing care team at Tufts University's Cummings Hospital for Large Animals to diagnose, and treat Miss Honey. The Darrowby community is so thankful that this kind of care can be provided to the residents that call Darrowby home. The Sanctuary was able to continue to enhance the lives of their animal residents and staff through important facilities improvements. The largest of which was the building of a 30x24 foot barn to house the sanctuary's ruminant population. This new barn provides expanded access to grazing for goats, horses, and steers, and provides space for hay storage, community education, and a heated, insulated winter home for Darrowby's especially susceptible elderly goat population. This barn was built thanks to a grant from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, and support from Darrowby's community of donors. Throughout this year Darrowby was able to increase its outreach and educational opportunities. Darrowby's founders offered their first adult education course"What to Expect When You are Expecting a Pet Pig." The sanctuary partnered with a dozen local schools and educational organizations to bring over 100 students from pre-k to adult learners to the sanctuary. Sanctuary staff utilized their experience as public school teachers to develop curriculum and hands-on learning projects. Bringing people together to learn about the work of farm-animal sanctuaries and bringing awareness to the issues associated with the care for these animals is a large part of creating a more compassionate world. Darrowby's grounds were opened to over 400 visitors throughout the year. Whether a private tour, a school service project, a photography class, or the sanctuary's annual open house or Summer Solstice at the Sanctuary event. Each of these visits and touch points provided people with the ability to connect to a community that shares the common cause of decreasing suffering in this world.