Five newborn calves — Poppy, Charlie, Tater, Sprout, and Goldie — are now thriving after being rescued on the 3rd of December 2024 from a dairy farm in New South Wales, Australia. The calves were saved by Companion Cows, a Tasmania-based animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dairy cows and their offspring.
The rescue operation began with a distressing plea from someone connected to the farm. Male calves, deemed surplus by the dairy industry, faced grim fates with legal methods of culling, including blunt-force trauma and being shot. Companion Cows, run by a team of volunteers, intervened to save these vulnerable animals.
Poppy and Charlie’s journey was particularly challenging. Both calves suffered from severe health issues upon arrival. Charlie displayed symptoms of bloat, a life-threatening condition for ruminant animals, while Poppy was lethargic, dehydrated, and unable to digest her milk properly. Their caretaker at the sanctuary, Phoebe, acted swiftly, ensuring they received emergency veterinary care, including antibiotics, pain relief, and intravenous fluids. Although Charlie’s condition worsened initially, persistent care led to a remarkable recovery, with the young calf drinking independently and playing with his companions just days later.
Meanwhile, Tater, Sprout, and Goldie adjusted more smoothly to their new environment. All five calves recently underwent a full veterinary assessment, with minor surgical procedures for the boys to prepare them for rehoming. The care team at Companion Cows reported that the calves are now thriving, spending their days playing and enjoying the sunshine.
Companion Cows began three years ago after two newborn dairy calves, Frankie and Fletcher, were rescued by Krystal Camilleri and Phoebe Wisken from a dairy farm in Lutruwita, Tasmania, when they were less than one week old. Their rescue sparked an idea and inspired the first-ever organisation dedicated exclusively to the rescue and rehoming of dairy cows and their babies. Companion Cows now operates Australia-wide.
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