Rescued from a life of neglect and abuse, “Evie,” the sheep, presented a heart-wrenching sight to the rescue team with tangled hair, rotten hooves, and missing teeth. However, amidst the sadness, they soon discovered that this resilient sheep not only triumphed over its tragic past but also brought forth two very special surprises.
Evie was initially rescued from a private farm in Wake County, North Carolina, where she had been severely neglected. The farm, which housed around 200 head of livestock, primarily catered to religious organizations for ritual slaughter, including cows, chickens, goats, geese, donkeys, and pot-bellied pigs.
The authorities in Wake County took control of the situation, and several animal sanctuaries joined the rescue operation, including the non-profit organization Farm Sanctuary, with branches across the United States. In October 2023, they adopted ten sheep, including the ewe Evie.
According to Emily Grizzell, the Animal Health Manager at Farm Sanctuary, in an interview with The Epoch Times, she stated that the health condition of these animals was deplorable, with even dead animal bodies found on-site.
However, what Farm Sanctuary did not anticipate was that by rescuing Evie, they were not just saving one life but three.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Evie underwent a 30-day isolation and check-up period. She was tested, vaccinated, and thoroughly examined by the staff.
“It was during this time that they realized she was pregnant,” said Grizzell.
Aside from the joyful news of pregnancy, the examination revealed Evie’s severe health issues. Her hooves were decaying, with a crack in her left foreleg, tooth loss, severely matted wool, presenting a distressing sight.
The staff at Farm Sanctuary closely monitored Evie for signs of labor starting from mid-January. Finally, in the early hours of February 17, 2024, she successfully delivered a pair of twins.
Grizzell mentioned, “The lambs needed a little help latching to the teat, but other than that, everything went smoothly.”
They were quickly named “Jeanne” and “Margaretta.”
A video on Instagram featuring the twin lambs garnered over 20,000 likes, with viewers expressing joy in witnessing the beauty of life displayed by an animal who had suffered severe abuse.
As time passed, Jeanne and Margaretta began playing with another lamb named “Samson,” whose mother was also rescued from the same farm. They all enjoy eating hay and grass, and a healthcare provider is dedicated to helping the twins socialize better.
Sierra Bessey, the Animal Care Director at Farm Sanctuary, stated in a release, “They are healthy and thriving. Their weight is increasing daily, and they are learning new skills every day.”
Grizzell, aged 29, who joined Farm Sanctuary officially in April 2024, has had the opportunity to witness the growth of Jeanne and Margaretta.
She remarked, “They are truly adorable, and we have invested significant time and effort to enhance their well-being and quality of life.”
Originally from Houston, Texas, Grizzell now resides near Farm Sanctuary in Corning, New York. She encourages people to “adopt” animals to support their care costs, visit the facilities, and learn more about the sanctuary’s mission through their official website, aiding the non-profit organization in their cause.