Newborn Calf Survives Being Discarded On Dead Pile

By ANC Staff and Farm Sanctuary

Against unbelievable odds, a newborn calf named Mario, who was discovered recently on a dairy farm’s dead pile, has survived and gone from pain and despair to a new and happy life at an animal sanctuary.

A rendering truck driver, who arrived at the dairy farm to pick up dead cows, was horrified and distraught to find the 45-pound Jersey calf helplessly lying atop a stack of corpses, alive and healthy except for an injured leg.

It was clear to the driver that Mario had been discarded not only due to the injury, but because, as a male calf, he was considered worthless by the dairy and undeserving of humane euthanasia.

Though accustomed to the ugly side of animal agriculture, the driver was so deeply disturbed and moved by Mario’s plight that he immediately called friends on his cellphone to ask them for help getting Mario to California’s Farm Sanctuary.

Placing Mario gently on the front seat of the truck, he drove him away from the horror of the dead pile toward his new future.

On Mario’s arrival at the sanctuary he was rushed to a local vet, who diagnosed a fractured humorous and recommended specialist orthopedic treatment at UC Davis Veterinary School as soon as possible.

Back into the van went Mario, along with a volunteer intern to ride with him in the back seat to keep him still and calm.

Mario dozed off during the trip, with his head in the volunteer’s lap, seemingly aware that for the first time in his life he was safe and would be loved and cared for.

The veterinary hospital orthopedic department delivered the expected news that as the fracture was not a clean break, Mario’s treatment and recovery would be challenging and expensive.

However, since Mario was newborn his bones would heal quickly, and Farm Sanctuary’s shelter staff were more than willing to devote time and attention to his recovery. They asked the hospital to proceed with surgery.

Mario’s rescue story quickly spread throughout the veterinary teaching hospital. Staff and students flocked around the little calf’s stall to meet and spend time with him, and he had no shortage of admirers lining up to give his bottle feedings.

Although only two surgeons were assigned to Mario’s procedure, a total of five surgeons assisted during his four-hour surgery when complications arose because, according to his attending veterinarian, "Everyone here was so touched by his story they wanted to do everything possible to make it work so that he would survive."

After 10 days in intensive care Mario was stable enough to make the trip home. Accompanied again by a volunteer in the back seat, Mario once more laid his head in her lap and slept.

At the shelter, a specially padded and restricted recovery stall was made ready for the fragile guest, who soon settled in comfortably.

According to Farm Sanctuary staff, Mario’s recovery is proceeding better than predicted and the young calf has an abundant appetite, positive attitude and plenty of spunk. Caregivers spend several hours each day giving him physiotherapy for the muscles of his injured leg, which were weakened by damage to his tendons.

Mario reportedly loves "therapy time," and is generous with kisses while his corrective splint is put on and removed. He even bucks and runs like a normal calf, despite the splint.

Farm Sanctuary is appealing for donations to help cover the rest of the cost of Mario’s recovery. Donors can call 607-583-2225 ext. 222 for more information.

The sanctuary is also appealing for sponsors to adopt Mario and help provide for his lifelong care at the shelter. Prospective sponsors can contact the sanctuary at 607-583-2225 ext. 225.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.